AIBA continues to unveil its APB boxers through the AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) "Boxer of the Week" campaign on Facebook and Twitter. This week we turned the spotlight onto the Philippines, which has produced a considerable number of great boxers over the years. The young APB Filipino boxer Mark Barriga is certainly one of these. The Davao native, who just turned 20 this week, has already made his mark as an Olympian representing his nation at London 2012. A year on and Mark Barriga is getting ready to step into pro boxing and qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. His country has suffered a long Olympic medal drought with its last podium finish - a silver in boxing - coming in the Atlanta games in 1996. Indeed the Philippines has never actually won a gold and now all eyes are on Barriga as the country's biggest talent to make history and change those statistics. We had a chance to get a short phone interview with this humble man. The questions were based on those posted by boxing fans over the last week's campaign on the AIBA Pro Boxing Facebook.

Mark, you have already got lots of boxing experience at all levels. What was the most stressful moment of your boxing career so far?
I believe it was the whole period of my stay at the Olympic Games last year. I spent about 5 weeks in London and it was quite exhausting as I had to train hard and to face top-class opponents. The most stressful and difficult fight I ever had was actually the one with veteran Birzhan Zhakypov representing Kazakhstan. He was really tough fighter and I would say that I associate this bout with feeling the most stress.


Do you consider boxing as your job, hobby, duty or passion?
For me it is all of above! Boxing is my entire life now, not less than that. I started boxing when I was just nine, because my grandfather was also a boxer. I was supported by my parents growing up, and now I'm an Olympian.


How do you feel the transition to the AIBA pro style competition? How do you think it will suit your style?
Well, it is hard to say at the moment as I haven't tried it yet. But I have already started to train intensively as I look forward for the competition to start.


Do you practice any other sports besides boxing?
Yes, mainly basketball, I play it regularly. I find it really fun as it is a team sport. I also sometimes go to swim.


Do you have any favorite sport teams?
Yes, I am a big fan of the NBA team Miami Heat! I try to follow them as much as I can.


Mark, you studied commerce, didn't you? Do you see yourself in commerce in the future do you have different passions in life now?
Unfortunately I had to leave school to train for the Olympic Games in London. Since then I dedicate all my time to my boxing career. But I do not exclude continuing studies when I retire from boxing. As for commerce, I am actually starting now my own small business having opened my Butcher shop at the Manila market.


Good luck with your entrepreneurial activity Mark and see you soon in APB!