Ed Picson elected as new boxing chief; Ricky Vargas assumes chairmanship

The Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) will have a new leader as Ed Picson was unanimously elected to succeed Ricky Vargas as the national federation's new president.

Picson, a long-time executive director and secretary-general for ABAP, was named the new president in a virtual election held Thursday. Vargas, meanwhile, will assume chairmanship.

Vargas, who also happens to be the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) chairman, nominated Picson for the top position and stressed he's honored to pass the torch to the official.

"I am honored to turn the baton over to Ed as my successor. He is the most qualified and deserving for the position," Vargas said in a statement.

"Ed is a principled and honest man who believes in good governance, cares very much for our boxers and is hands on. I am confident he will bring ABAP to the next level.”

Also elected unanimously were deputy speaker Robbie Puno as vice president and former congressman Raul Daza as vice chairman.

Picson, for his part, beamed with optimism to follow Vargas' feat of steering the Philippine boxing to a three medal haul in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"I am humbled by the trust and confidence reposed in me. The results in the last Olympics, where Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam won silvers and Eumir Marcial got bronze, will be a tough act to follow," Picson said.

"But our boxers, coaches and support staff assure me they are all up to the task. We vow not to let the country down.”

—JMB, GMA News