The Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Party-list thanked national boxing coach Nolito “Boy” Velasco for his contributions to Philippine amateur boxing, extolling the celebrated coach after he decided to retire and leave the national boxing team.
“We thank Coach Boy Velasco for all his accomplishments in nurturing our country’s boxing talents. His guidance has been invaluable in our medal haul in the Olympic Games,” PBA Party-list spokesperson Atty. Migs Nograles said.
“His legacy in Philippine boxing will always be remembered.”
“His legacy in Philippine boxing will always be remembered. May his successes throughout the years serve as an inspiration to all the members of the national boxing team,” she added.
“May his successes throughout the years serve as an inspiration to all the members of the national boxing team.”
Nograles issued the statement after the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) announced that Velasco had resigned as national boxing coach effective at the end of the year.
Under his tutelage, Velasco’s younger Roel secured a bronze medal finish in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics while youngest brother Mansueto “Onyok” snagged a silver medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Velasco is also responsible for the silver medal finish of Nesthy Petecio in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the first podium finish in the Olympics for a female Filipino boxer.
The Davaoeña lawyer said the PBA Party-list is mulling filing a House Resolution recognizing the contributions of Velasco.
“Coach Boy deserves a hero’s send-off and it is only fitting that he be recognized for all he has done for Philippine boxing. We will be forever grateful for his contributions to the sport,” Nograles said.
