Nesthy Petecio assured of bronze, advances to semis after beating Colombian boxer
History, yet again.
For the first time in 89 years, the Philippines is set for a multi-medal Olympic campaign haul after Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio is now assured of a bronze medal in the women’s boxing featherweight division at the Tokyo Olympics.
Petecio won over Colombia’s Yeni Castaneda at their quarterfinal match with a score of 5-0. The 29-year-old Davao City native now advances to the semifinals of the tournament, which is set for Saturday.
#PHI Nesthy Petecio SECURES AT LEAST A BRONZE!
Petecio edges Yeni Castaneda by points, 5-0! @OneSportsPHL @CignalTV #boxing #SeeUsStronger #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/IXJPQaNGVT— Paolo del Rosario (@paodelrosario) July 28, 2021
In an interview with One Sports, Petecio said she was able to prepare and adjust to the Castaneda's aggressive style based on her previous match.
"Alam na po namin yun, natimbrehan na po kami na yun ang gagawin kasi sa totoo lang po natalo na niya ako sa 2008 World Championships sa India, ganun din ginawa niya, aggressive, so mas preparado po kami dito," said Petecio.
Petecio’s win now adds to the historic gold medal won by Hidilyn Diaz in the women’s 55-kilogram weightlifting category on July 26, Monday.
The last time that the Philippines took more than one medal in the Olympics was in 1932 in Los Angeles, when Teófilo Yldefonso for swimming, Jose Villanueva for boxing, and Simeon Toribio for high jump each won a bronze medal.
(Thumbnail and banner photo: Philippines' Nesthy Petecio (red) reacts after winning against Colombia's Yeni Marcela Arias Castaneda at the end of their women's feather (54-57kg) quarter-final boxing match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo on July 28, 2021. Luis ROBAYO / AFP)