Thirteen-year-old JOVAN L. AMANTIAD, born on January 19, 2002 from San Jose, Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, Region IX had big dreams when he left home to compete in the Mosquito Weight Division in Boxing during the 2016 Palarong Pambansa held at Legaspi City, Albay.

But he did not pitch his hopes too high considering the abilities of his would be opponents, especially those coming from the regions who excelled in the particular event. Jovan gave good fights and ended as champion in his division. His trainor/coach had doubts during fights because of his height but that was the only disadvantage. Jovan proved that height does not matter. He brings so much pride to Region IX especially the province of Zamboanga del Sur.

His father works as a driver of a copra delivery truck while his mother is a housekeeper. He is the second of a brood of three – Joven, Jovan and Jordan. He took determination from his father whose passion was also in boxing.

Jovan started boxing at an early age of 7. “The only key in winning is self – discipline and there is no other way,“ he said during our casual conversation when I visited him at their simple home in Aurora.

During the First Mindanao BatangPinoy in 2014, he also won the gold medal in Boxing. He duplicated the success in the 2016 Palarong Pambansa.

He will leave Aurora to fulfill his dreams of becoming a world champion someday.  He will further his education in Manila this year and at the same time will undergo training at ELORDE GYM.