SEA Games: John Marvin 1st Filipino boxer to crash out, bows to Vietnam bet

Filipino boxer John Marvin loses in his light heavyweight match in the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

John Marvin failed to defend his title after suffering a brutal split decision, 3-2, to Vietnam’s Dinh Hoang Truong in the boxing light heavyweight quarterfinal of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games Thursday at PICC Forum.

Truong landed a cracking right overhand in the middle of Marvin’s guard, sending the 2017 SEA Games gold medalist to the mat in the first round.

Marvin tried to fight fire with fire in the second and third rounds to get the judges’ favor but Truong had built enough of a lead to escape with the win and advance to the semifinals.

“This is boxing, you win some, you lose some. I’m humble in victory as I’m humble in defeat,” said Marvin who shared an emotional moment with 2017 middleweight gold medalist Eumir Marcial after the bout.

Marvin landed his own 1-2 combinations in the third round and even connecting with booming right hook but Truong’s knockdown in the first round was too big of a difference for the Fil-Brit to close out.

“He was the better fighter, I didn’t bring it. It’s a shame I didn’t defend my title but there’s always next time. What’s happened is done now he’s taken the victory and good luck to him to the rest of the tournament.”

Marvin is the first Filipino boxer to get eliminated so far in the tournament.

https://sports.inquirer.net/377065/sea-games-john-marvin-1st-filipino-boxer-to-crash-out-bows-to-vietnam-bet

PH swimming golden boy Deiparine not retiring yet, says mom

James Deiparine of the Philippines wins gold medal in swimming after he ruled the 100-meter breaststroke held at Aquatics Center, New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, December 4, 2019. INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

NEW CLARK CITY — Despite James Deiparine’s earlier pronouncements that he will retire after the ongoing 30th Southeast Asian Games, it looks very much like he’s staying a little bit longer.

That’s according to no less than her mom, Patricia.

Philippine Swimming Inc., president Lani Velasco shared a message from the elder Deiparine that said: “Jimmy will not retire yet.”

“He has more to do for the Philippines and for everyone who has supported him,” said part of the message.

Deiparine’s family flew in from the United States and other parts of the Philippines to watch the 26-year-old law student break a 10-year record in 100-meter breaststroke.

Not only he ended the 10-year gold medal drought, Deiparine also becomes the first Filipino to have set a new SEA Games record in this edition.

But more than anything, Velasco said Deiparine’s feat is an inspiration to the Filipino swimmers in particular and Philippine sports in general.

“I think everybody, all of Philippine swimming are now inspired and will wat to get more gold,” Velasco said. “And we have a lot of grassroots talents who have that potential.”

Now fans are expected to fill up the stadium watching Deipairine compete in the 50m breasts and 4X100 medley relay on Sunday and Monday, respectively.

Deiparine’s best time in 50m breasts is 27.91 seconds which is .33 seconds faster than the existing SEA Games standard.

https://sports.inquirer.net/376987/ph-swimming-golden-boy-deiparine-not-retiring-yet-says-mom