Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday said he will look into the current protocols on training in boxing and other contact sports to help the country produce more champions.

In a statement, Zubiri said one possible reason why the country has just one world boxing champion for now is limited training time for the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Currently, Alert Level 1 areas already allow contact sports’ training in enclosed spaces for adults who are fully vaccinated.

“It’s about time that contact sports resume their trainings,” Zubiri said.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has introduced Resolution No. 84 commending and congratulating Davemark “Dave” Apolinario for winning the International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight crown with a first-round knockout of Gideon Buthelezi right at the South African’s turf at International Convention Center in East London City on July 29.

The resolution filed last week stated that Apolinario’s triumph was a result of his hard work, dedication, and perseverance which will inspire Filipino athletes.

Apolinario paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace on August 3.

The 23-year-old fighter hails from General Santos City, the hometown of Manny Pacquiao.

He is undefeated in 17 bouts, 12 of the wins by knockout.

Senate Majority Leader Senator Joel Villanueva, in his manifestation, said he was surprised that the country only has one boxing champion at the moment.

Nonito Donaire Jr. and Mark Magsayo lost their World Boxing Council (WBC) belts this year.

The IBO is not part of the sport’s four major sanctioning bodies — World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Organization, and WBC. (PNA)