Undefeated middleweight boxer Weljon Mindoro said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on November 4 that he is not ruling out the possibility of competing in the boxing tournament of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.
Always Proud to Represent the Country
Weljon Mindoro has expressed his excitement and openness to possibly joining the Philippine boxing team for the upcoming 33rd SEA Games.
With an impressive professional record of 16 wins, which were all via knockout, and one draw, Mindoro sees this opportunity as a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream of representing the country.
The 25-year-old from Zamboanga del Sur shared how honored he felt upon learning that his name was among those considered for the national team.
“Masaya ako kasi nakalista ako sa mga ganyang palaro. Masaya ako na makalaro ng mga ganyan kasi yan din ang pangarap ko dati na makalaro sa SEA Games. Kung palarin sa SEA Games, pupunta ako ng Olympics,” he said.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino had earlier revealed that Mindoro was part of a “long list” of possible boxers being eyed for the SEA Games delegation.
From Amateur Roots to Professional Success
Before establishing himself as one of the country’s most promising professionals, Mindoro honed his skills as an amateur.
He competed in events like the Palarong Pambansa, where he bagged a silver medal in 2014, and the Batang Pinoy National Finals, where he earned bronze in 2016. Despite these achievements, he was never invited to join the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) national pool; this missed opportunity led him to turn professional at just 19 years old in 2019.
Now holding the IBA Asia Middleweight Championship, Mindoro continues to make waves in the pro ranks. Despite his spotless record, he has yet to break into the rankings of major world boxing organizations. This makes the SEA Games an attractive opportunity for him to showcase his talent on an international stage while donning the country’s colors.
“Excited ako diyan na makalaban sa SEA Games. Kung manalo ako sa SEA Games, mas maganda kung makalaban ako sa Olympics,” he added, noting that competing in the Games would be a significant step toward another lifelong goal, which is ultimately reaching the Olympics.
Waiting for an Official Invitation for Weljon
Mindoro’s camp, which is headed by Gerry Balmes and Orly Barcelango, shares their enthusiasm but is also waiting for official communication from the relevant sports authorities.
Both the POC and ABAP have yet to send a formal invitation to Weljon and his team.
“Wala naman kaming ihi-hindi. Sa tingin ko ngayon mas maganda kung maging pormal na lang yung pagmi-meeting diyan,” Barcelango said.
“So sa ngayon hindi kami mag-oo and hindi rin kami mag-hindi. Pero kung mapag-mitingan ng maayos, wala namang problema. Hindi namin ipagdadamot si Weljon dahil isang karangalan yun makapagsilbi para sa bayan.”
For Mindoro, joining the SEA Games isn’t just a matter of prestige, it’s personal.
Having been left out of the national setup as an amateur, the opportunity to finally wear the country’s colors would symbolize redemption and recognition of his hard work.
Japan Training Begins in Search of the Worthy Sparring Partner
While awaiting confirmation, Mindoro remains focused on improving his craft. He and his team are set to travel to Japan for an intensive training camp.
The move comes after his handlers observed that sparring options in the Philippines have become limited for the undefeated knockout artist.
“Lahat ng malalaking boxers dito sa Pilipinas inubos na lahat ni Weljon,” Balmes said.
“Kaya mag-stay kami sa Japan kasi may malalaking sparring partners doon. Yan ang plano ng team.”
The camp is expected to help Mindoro further develop his speed, power, and endurance as these attributes could be crucial should he ever make his national team debut.
“Naka-ready naman ako kasi nakapag-training din naman ako. Hindi naman ako nagpabaya,” he explained, emphasizing that he’s been consistently working out even without a confirmed opponent or fight schedule.
During his local training, Mindoro also sparred with Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial, who has been one of his toughest partners in the ring.
Interestingly, both boxers could potentially represent the Philippines in the middleweight division if Marcial accepts a SEA Games call-up as well.
Still, Mindoro isn’t worried about possible overlap.
“Magkaiba kasi kami ng timbang. Baka ako sa 75 kilos; si Eumir sa 80 kilos,” he said.
Backed by Philippine Boxing Greats and Childhood Idols
Mindoro’s rise has earned the support of several notable figures in the Philippine boxing community.
Among those present at the PSA Forum were trainer Joven Jimenez and former IBF super-flyweight world champion Jerwin Ancajas, who both expressed confidence in his potential to excel internationally.
“Sakto pala na nagte-training siya kung sakali for SEA Games. Yan ang purpose namin na hindi puwedeng matengga lang si Weljon,” Barcelango added.
Mindoro’s idols, which are Manny Pacquiao and Canelo Alvarez, continue to serve as inspirations as he carves his own path toward greatness.
Standing at 5-foot-11, Weljon is determined to follow in their footsteps while creating his own legacy in both professional and amateur arenas.
Looking Ahead
With a move to Japan on the horizon and his name circulating in national sports discussions, Weljon Mindoro finds himself at an important crossroads.
Whether or not his SEA Games participation materializes, the young boxer remains steadfast in his mission to improve and represent the Philippines with pride whenever given the chance.
As his camp awaits an official invitation from the POC and ABAP, Mindoro remains grounded yet hopeful as he focuses on becoming a world-class athlete while staying true to his roots.
His message reflects both humility and ambition: “Masaya ako kasi nasama ako don, ‘yan din ang pangarap ko dati na makalaro sa SEA Games. Bata palang ako, pangarap ko na yon, pati na rin sa Olympics.”
For now, he continues to train, eyes set on bigger fights and, possibly, the national colors he has long dreamed of wearing.
