Bangkok, Thailand — Josie Gaucho proved detractors wrong as she took the gold medal in the light flyweight division of the Asian Boxing Championships, which culminated Friday at the Indoor Stadium of the Hua Mark Sports Complex here.
Gabuco, a 32-year-old mother and member of the national boxing team for 15 years, was thought by some to have been past her prime, but in her bouts here, including the finals against Kim Hyang Mi of North Korea, she displayed her usual speed and guile to advance to the championship and win the gold.
Coaching consultant Don Abnett of Australia was all praises for Gabuco from the start of the training for the tournament.
"She's a talented girl with a lot of heart and has the ability to confuse the enemy. In the finals match, she made the North Korean lass miss so many punches and delivered her own ones and twos to seal the deal," said Abnett, who likewise credited the local coaches, led by women's head mentor Nolito Velasco and assistant Mitchel Martinez for preparing Josie well.
“They did a fantastic job", Abnett added.
ABAP president and POC head Ricky Vargas was jubilant at Gabuco's victory.
"She really deserves this win. She worked hard, focused and believed. She did it all. I'm so happy for her. Mabuhay ka, Josie!”said Vargas.
