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Source: gmanews.tv

-- Charly Suarez and Bill Vicera pulled off similar impressive victories Tuesday to earn a shot for the gold medals in the 25th Laos Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Vientiane.

The 21-year old Suarez made mincemeat of Thai opponent Wuttichai Masuk, 13-5, in their 57kg semifinal duel at the Olympasia gymnasium of the National University while Vicera was just as imposing in a 13-2 win over Ven Diaman of Cambodia in their own semis battle at 45 kg.

heir wins make up for the sorry setbacks suffered by Rey Saludar and Joegin Ladon against a pair of boxers from the host nation.

Saludar lost to Xayyaphone in the 51kg class, 9-4, and Ladon followed suit with an 8-2 defeat at the hands of Vilasak.

In all, six of the 10 members of the RP boxing team are in the gold medal round.

"We stand a good chance. Maayos ang training ng mga bata and all are looking sharp," said Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) executive director Ed Picson.

ABAP president Ricky Vargas and secretary general Patrick Gregorio are expected to watch the women’s team go for the gold medals Wednesday.

Josie Gabuco sets off the Philippine campaign when she takes on Nguen Thi Hoa of Vietnam in the 46kg final, followed by Alice Kate Aparri opposite Laotian Milvady (48kg), before reigning Asian champion Annie Albania caps the women’s bid against Indonesian Indri Sambaimana.

On Thursday, Harry Tanamor banners the men’s side as he will be up against a tough Thai opponent in Kaeo Pongprayoon in the 48 kg class.

Suarez then climbs the ring with Cambodian Phal Sophat, and Vicera fights Laos bet Sikham.

Sophat edged out Indonesian Arenaldo by a close 6-5 win to make it to the gold medal round, while Sikham retired Vietnamese Huynh Ngoc Tan.

"Basta laban lang po tayo," said Suarez, who didn’t have a problem disposing his feared Thai opponent.

Vicera too, was never in danger against Diaman, whom he staggered several times, resulting into a standing eight count each in the second and third rounds.