The Philippine boxing team achieved a remarkable four gold medals
The Philippine boxing team demonstrated their preparedness for the Olympic qualifications in Paris by securing four gold medals in the 2024 Boxam Elite Tournament held in La Nucia, Spain on Saturday, February 3.
Leading the charge was Nesthy Petecio, the silver medalist from the Tokyo Olympics, who clinched the gold in the women’s 57kg division by defeating Huang Hsiao-Wen from Chinese Taipei in a closely contested match, earning a split 4-1 victory. Petecio’s journey to the gold included victories over France’s Sthelyne Grosy and Swiss boxer Ana Marija Milisic.
Aira Villegas also made her mark by securing the gold in the women’s 50kg class, overcoming her opponent Kyzaibay Nazym from Kazakhstan with a narrow 3-2 decision. Villegas showcased her skills with earlier wins against Irish Caitlin Fryers and English Kelsey Oakley.
Hergie Bacyadan, who previously became the country’s first world vovinam champion, continued her success in boxing by dominating the women’s 75kg division, defeating Yerzhan Gulsaya from Kazakhstan with a unanimous decision. Bacyadan’s path to victory included a win over Mexico’s Citlalli Ortiz.
In the men’s 51kg category, Rogen Ladon, a 2016 Rio Olympian, secured the gold medal by default after his opponent Hungarian Istvan Szaka withdrew from the match.
Marcus Manalo, the secretary general of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP), commended the team’s performance as they prepare for the upcoming challenges. He emphasized the significance of these achievements as the team gears up for the Olympic Qualifiers.
While Eumir Marcial remains the sole Filipino boxer to have secured qualification for the Paris Olympics after winning a silver medal in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, other Filipino boxers still have two opportunities to qualify through the world championships scheduled for February 29 to March 12 in Busto Arsizio, Italy, and May 23 to June 3 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Sports News: Philippine boxing team achieved a remarkable four gold medals
