CLINCHING ANOTHER virtual medal for the Philippines in the 2024 Summer Olympics, Nesthy Petecio displayed a decisive boxing clinic against China’s Zichun Xu in the quarterfinal round of the Women’s 57kg category. The bout was held last night at the North Paris Arena in Seine-Saint-Denis, France.

In the opening round, both fighters exchanged combinations in what initially seemed to be an even contest. Xu utilized her height advantage while Petecio relied on her speed to find range. Ultimately, the Davao native swayed the judges’ scorecards into her favor after repeatedly landing left hooks in the last few minutes.

Unfazed by her opponent’s longer reach, the Filipina boxer amped up the pace in the second round. Petecio’s pressure prevented the Chinese boxer from creating distance, consequently allowing her to connect on body shots and straight-overhand combinations. The 5’2” Filipino fighter’s dominant round awarded her another 10-9 advantage, widening the score differential between her and Xu.

Desperate for a tide-turning knockdown in the third canto, Xu pushed forward and  landed uppercuts to Petecio’s face and lower rib section. Displaying a tough chin, however, Petecio endured her Asian rival’s heavy hits while managing to land a few hooks of her own during the exchanges. Although two judges gave Xu a 10-9 round, the combined quick footwork and Olympic experience of Petecio ultimately prevailed, as she avoided being on the receiving end of any major fight-altering damages.

With this victory, Petecio joins Aira Villegas as one of the only two Filipino boxers to seal at least a bronze medal in the 2024 Paris boxing showcase. The result also assures Petecio of her second Olympic medal after bringing home silver in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Petecio will face Poland’s Julia Szeremeta in the semifinals on Thursday, August 8,   with an opportunity to advance into the gold medal bout.

Scorecard:
Petecio vs. Xu: 30-27, 29-28, 30-27, 30-27, 29-28