Former Secretary General Marcus Jarwin Manalo has been elected President of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines following the federation’s Annual Meeting and Elections held Wednesday in Ortigas.
Manalo succeeds Robbie Puno, who will now serve as Chairman of the federation. The leadership transition comes as ABAP continues its post Olympic cycle restructuring and grassroots development push.
Former ABAP president Ricky Vargas has been named Honorary Chairman, assuming a statesman role after years of leadership. Vargas is currently Chef de Mission of Team Philippines for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and also serves as President of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas while sitting as Chairman of the Philippine Basketball Association.
Also elected to key board positions were former Northern Samar Congressman Raul Daza as Vice Chairman and Philippine Aquatics President Michael Angelo Vargas as Vice President.
Completing the Board of Trustees are Meralco Senior Vice President and former BCDA President Arnel Casanova, VCC MAK Ventures Inc. President Mark Burgos, former Department of Education Assistant Secretary Emilio Jose Abelita Jr., former Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno, former Baguio City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr., two time Olympic medalist Nesthy Petecio, and San Miguel Corporation Sports Director Alfrancis Chua, who is also PBA Vice Chairman and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel team governor.
“Congratulations to the newly elected Board of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines,” Vargas said. “This diverse group of experienced leaders and new voices shares a clear vision of building a sustainable national pool of boxing talent through strong grassroots programs.”
“Under the leadership of Chairman Puno and President Marcus Manalo, supported by broader regional representation and a dedicated Board of Trustees, the future of ABAP looks bright,” he added. “As I step aside to take on a different role, I remain fully supportive of the association’s continued growth and success. Sumbag Pinoy.”
Chairman Puno echoed the sentiment, expressing optimism for the federation’s direction.
“It is a distinct honor to work with this group of talented and dedicated individuals committed to excellence in boxing,” Puno said. “We look forward to the continued development of our young boxers and to achieving our long standing goal of an Olympic gold medal.”
Manalo, 39, officially assumes the presidency after serving as Secretary General and Executive Director since December 2021. He was appointed following the Philippine boxing team’s successful campaign at the Tokyo Olympics, where he served as team leader.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust the Board has given me,” Manalo said. “The Philippines has a proud boxing tradition, and with our committed Board of Trustees and regional representatives, I am confident we can further strengthen our programs.”
Among Manalo’s stated priorities are expanding grassroots boxing, improving regional access to the sport, enhancing coaching and officiating standards, and increasing international competition opportunities for Filipino boxers.
Born in Bauan, Batangas, Manalo holds a Master of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Sciences with a concentration in sport psychology from Texas Tech University. He also earned a diploma in Exercise and Sport Sciences and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of the Philippines Diliman.
He joined ABAP in 2013 as a mental performance coach and concurrently served as an assistant professor at the University of the Philippines Department of Sports Science from 2013 to 2024. Manalo also works as a mental performance consultant for professional and collegiate teams in volleyball and basketball.
