Nesthy Petecio secures Olympic medal, advances to semifinals
The quest for Olympic gold remains strong for Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio, who delivered another masterful performance to advance to the semifinals of the women’s 57kg boxing event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Petecio defeated China’s Xu Zichun with a dominant 5-0 victory, ensuring herself at least a bronze medal.
Petecio joins fellow Filipino athletes Carlos Yulo and Aira Villegas on the Olympic podium, becoming the third member of the Philippine Centennial Team to medal at these games.
Additionally, Petecio etches her name in Philippine sports history alongside Hidilyn Diaz as the only Filipinas to win multiple Olympic medals. Petecio previously secured a silver medal in the same weight class during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
In her quarterfinal bout against Xu, Petecio showcased her experience and ring intelligence, sweeping the first two rounds with precision and control. She only conceded points in the third round but still secured the win on three of the five judges’ scorecards.
The final scores read 30-27, 29-28, 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28 in favor of Petecio.
With this victory, Petecio not only keeps her golden dream alive but also earns a well-deserved break before her semifinal bout.
Petecio’s victory adds to the boxing team’s medal haul, with Aira Villegas also securing a semifinal berth in the 50kg class.
