BOXERS' HEIGHT TO BE MAJOR CONSIDERATION -- ABAP

Manila, Nov. 25, 1997 - The Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) now rates height as a major component of a boxer's winnability.

ABAP president Manny Lopez told newsmen that height is indeed an advantage in the ring.

"If a boxer is tall, it almost always follows that his reach is also long, Lopez said. "Between two evenly matched fighters, that would spell a difference."

Taking this into consideration, the ABAP now intends to look for tall, promising fighters for the national training pool.

Majority of Filipino boxers, being shorter than their foes, are unable to pile up points with clear, solid blows, because they need to close in before they can connect. Invariably, they get hit before they can move out of their opponents' long reach.

"Boxers need not be stocky any longer. They tend now to be leaner, but the power is still there," Lopez said.