Filipina boxers Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas secure Olympics spot
The Philippines has not one, but two Filipina boxers securing their tickets to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas punched their way to the prestigious sports event after they emerged victorious against their opponents during the 1st World Qualification Tournament for boxing that took place in Busto Arsizio, Italy.
Petecio, who was previously a silver medalist in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games, defeated Esra Yildiz Kahraman of Turkiye in the featherweight (57kg) division with a split decision victory.
The match ended with the Davao Del Sur resident winning with scores of 29-28, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28, 28-29.
"I am so blessed. This is very important for me because maybe this is my last Olympics. I got this ticket for so many people, especially my family, to God, and for our former President who died, and for my partner in life," Petecio said according to a report from the official website of the Olympics.
"Before [the tournament], I promised her that I would win the ticket to Paris and finally this is it! I’m so happy. I will not stop until I get the Olympic gold medal," she continued.
Meanwhile, Villegas was also triumphant over Zlatislava Chukanova from Bulgaria in the women’s 50 kg class with a unanimous decision of 5-0.
It was a tough battle for the Olympic debutante, especially after she had a point deduction in the second round and a knockdown in the third.
With their respective wins, they will join four other Filipino athletes competing in this year's games, namely, fellow boxer Eumir Marcial, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and gymnasts Carlos Yulo and Aleah Finnegan.
The 2024 Paris Olympics will be held from July 26 to Aug. 11 in France.
