IN HER opening bout of the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, Filipino boxer Nesthy Petecio was victorious against the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Marcelat Sakobi earlier today at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo. The bout was won via judges’ decision, with the five judges unanimously scoring the fight 30-27, 30-27, 29-28, 30-27, 30-27 in favor of Petecio.

It was a nip and tuck first round as both fighters actively traded punches to get a feel of each other’s boxing style. However, despite the hotly contested opening round, all but one judge gave the round win to Petecio.

At the start of round two, Petecio became the more aggressive fighter as she opened the floodgates and eventually unleashed a dangerous right-hand jab that Sakobi failed to deal with. Throughout the round, Petecio was connecting on her combinations and countering whatever Sakobi was throwing at her.

Despite the valiant efforts of the Congolese boxer in round three, it was more of the same story as Petecio continued to pile on the pressure. The 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist was sharp as she continued to connect on her punches while being able to bob, weave, and keep her hands up to avoid her opponent’s punches. After going the full three rounds, it was Petecio’s glove that was raised, as she was awarded the unanimous victory.

With this win, Petecio advances to the Round of 16 where she will face Chinese Taipei’s Yu-Ting Lin on July 26 in Kokugikan Arena, Japan at 12:39 PM Manila time.