Five Filipino boxers qualified to compete in the Paris Olympics. After a successful stint in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, collecting 2 silver and 1 bronze medals, the Philippine contingent is hopeful for another glorious run in the Paris Olympics.
Unfortunately, 2 of our 5 reps have bowed out. Eumir Marcial, considered the country's top hope for a boxing gold, was upset by a younger, but taller Asian Games bronze medalist Turabek Khabibullaev of Uzbekistan; while Hergie Bacyadan lost to Asian Games gold medalist Li Qian of China.
Our chances for a dream boxing gold now lies literally in the slugging hands of Tokyo silver medalists Nesty Petecio and Carlo Paalam, and the upcoming Aira Villegas.
Nesty Petecio won handily against India's Jaismine in her first bout, then disposed of French hometown hero, Amina Zidani, to take herself to the quarterfinals in the women's 57kg Division. Another win will give her a sure bronze. Her next opponent could be Italian Irma Teste, who she had beaten in the Tokyo Olympics.
Carlo Paalam moved up to the men's 57kg Division after a successful campaign in Tokyo. But he has carried his speed and strength with him even as he pits his skills against taller and heavier opponents. Paalam won his first match against Ireland's Jude Gallagher, to move to the quarterfinals in his bracket. Another win will also assure him of at least a bronze medal. He will be tested by Charlie Senior of Australia, another taller and bigger opponent.
The stylish Aira Villegas, fighting in the women's 50kg Division, has become a crowd favorite in Paris. She finished off Yasmine Mouttaki of Morocco, then followed this up with another win over Algerian Roumaysa Boualam. She will be pitted against a dangerous vet in World Championship bronze medalist Wassila Lkhadiri of France. A win against the hometown girl will bring her an automatic bronze medal as well.
The Philippines harvested 2 silvers and 1 bronze in the last Olympics in Tokyo. This time, we have only 3 boxers left who will carry the fight for us. They will be up against tough opponents up ahead, but as the saying goes: when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Nesty, Caloy and Aira are certainly all made of tougher stuff.
Let's cheer for our boxers in Paris!
Cover picture courtesy of The Manila Times. Other photos courtesy of GMA News, Metro Cagayan de Oro News, Inquirer.net, ABS-CBN News, Rappler, and The Guidon.
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