Nesthy Petecio punches way to quarterfinals, eyes another Olympic medal

Filipina boxing sensation Nesthy Petecio advanced to the quarterfinals of the women’s 57kg division after a hard-fought victory over French boxer Amina Zidani at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Petecio’s victory came after a hard-fought three-round bout where four judges scored the match in her favor with scores of 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, and 29-28. Only one judge sided with Zidani, scoring it 29-28.

This win silenced the French crowd who had been fervently supporting Zidani, the third seed in the division.

With this triumph, Petecio is now just one win away from clinching another Olympic medal. She is set to face China’s Xu Zichun in the quarterfinals on Sunday evening. Xu advanced after a split decision victory over Colombia’s sixth seed Valeria Arboleda Mendoza.

Petecio’s journey to the quarterfinals has been marked by impressive performances. She showcased her skills and experience in the round-of-16 by defeating the younger, taller Jaismine Lamboria in a match that ended in a unanimous decision.

Filipino boxers Aira Villegas (women’s 50kg) and Carlo Paalam (men’s 57kg) have also made it to the quarterfinals, keeping the hopes of the Philippine boxing team alive. Another win for any of these boxers will assure them of at least a bronze medal.