Nesthy Petecio is one step closer to bringing another Olympic medal for the Philippine boxing team, along with Carlo Paalam and Aira Villegas.
Nesthy Petecio left no doubt as she dominated French boxer Amina Zidani in the Round of 16 of the women’s featherweight division in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on Saturday, August 3 (Philippine time).
Despite facing the pressure of Zidani's home crowd, Petecio tuned out all the noise to put in a world-class performance.
After a cautious first round, with Petecio's scores behind, the 32-year-old Pinay boxer knew she had to turn things up a notch.
"Actually, sa first round, tinatantsa ko talaga siya kasi iniisip ko huwag muna magpa-hawak sa kanya. Pero aggressive din siya eh. And nung nalaman ko nga 'yung score, hindi puwede ito. Hindi puwedeng hindi ako mananalo dito," Petecio explained to Cignal TV/One Sports.
She was not about to lose to a hometown bet via decision for the second straight Olympics.
"Sabi ni coach Galido na mag-steady ta's suntok talaga. Nagawa namin 'yun nung second round and solid si coach,” she added.
In the second round, Petecio unleashed her power, landing precise punches that turned the tide in her favor.
With momentum on her side, the Tokyo 2020 silver medalist continued to apply pressure and dominated her French foe in the third round. Petecio even acknowledged the strength of her punches, which landed hard on Zidani.
"Actually, nung natamaan siya ng hook, ramdam ko talaga yung kamao ko. Kasi sa mukha niya eh and sa body shot, sobrang nasaktan din siya,” said Petecio.
As she advances to the quarterfinals, Petecio knows just how significant this achievement is for the Philippine boxing team.
Petecio, along with Carlo Paalam and Aira Villegas, continue to vie for a medal finish in boxing.
"Sobrang blessing ito sa ABAP, ABAP family and sabi nga dun sa post ninyo, CAN— Carlo, Aira, and Nesthy, so we CAN,” Petecio excitingly shouted.
[ALSO READ: Aira Villegas dedicates round of 16 victory to PH boxing teammates after their early exit in Paris 2024]
Petecio will look to continue her clinical run in Paris 2024 when she faces China’s Xu Zichun, who defeated Colombia’s Valeria Arboleda Mendoza via split decision.
(With reports from Carlo Pamintuan/Cignal TV, One Sports)