ED PICSON was elected president of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (Abap) in a virtual exercise on Thursday with former world champion Josie Gabuco joining the association’s board of directors.
And that’s in line with what former president and now Abap Chairman Ricky Vargas envisions the association’s leadership to become.
“The goal is to elect officers from within the association, those who knows the ins and outs, those who have been there and worked hard for the Abap,” Vargas told BusinessMirror on Friday. “And eventually, the goal is to have a former boxer to lead the association, that’s why Josie is in the board now.”
Vargas, Abap’s president for 13 years, said he’s giving others the chance to lead the association.
“It’s time to give others a chance like Ed and I want him to be his own man,” he said. “I have seen him work and so he just needs to continue what we’re doing in our program especially in the grassroots level.”
Picson was initially Abap’s executive director when Vargas’s group took over the reins from Manny Lopez in 2008. Picson was secretary-general before his election as president.
Picson, according to Vargas, first refused the presidency but was prevailed upon.
“I suggested that Mr. Vargas stay because the association is on the right track,” Picson said. “I am humbled by the trust and confidence reposed in me.”
“The results in the Tokyo Olympics, where Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam won silvers and Eumir Marcial got bronze, will be a tough act to follow,” he said. “But our boxers, coaches and support staff assured me they are all up to the task. We vow not to let the country down.”
Also elected were Deputy Speaker Robbie Puno as vice president and former congressman Raul Daza as vice chairman.
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