OPENING WITH an impressive debut in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, Filipino boxer Irish Magno defeated Kenya’s Christine Ongare earlier today at the Kokugikan Arena. Magno won the bout via unanimous decision as all five judges were in favor of the Filipino Olympian, scoring the match 30-26, 30-27, 30-27, 30-27, 30-27.

Although Ongare began the fight with her aggressive fighting style, Magno’s defensive tactics created openings for her to successfully land various right-left jab combinations on her Kenyan opponent.

In the second round, Magno remained strategic in avoiding the Kenyan’s lethal right hand as the Filipino continuously dodged her opponent’s punches and maintained a defensive distance. Magno’s patient hit-and-run fighting style proved effective in allowing her to constantly counter Ongare’s blows with her deadly jabs and hooks.

Magno’s consistent defensive composure was prominent in round three, which allowed the Filipino to dictate the pace of her bout with the Kenyan. Ongare meanwhile continued to barrage Magno with a flurry of attempted punches, yet Magno’s defensive tactics repeatedly made her opponent vulnerable to her combinations. Despite increased offensive activity by Ongare, the Kenyan fighter was unable to effectively land her punches due to Magno’s defense and counters. After the three rounds, Magno was awarded the unanimous win.

Given this victory, Magno will proceed to the Round of 16 where she will compete against Thailand’s Jutamas Jitpong on July 29 in the Kokugikan Arena at 12:06 PM Manila time.