Aira Villegas would simply not be denied an Olympic Games medal, not even when against a French opponent, not even in front of a loud French crowd.
Semis-bound!
Aira Villegas’ quest for Olympic glory continues after eliminating hometown bet Wassila Lkhadiri via split decision on Sunday, August 4, Philippine time. The Filipina sealed a place in the women’s 50kg semifinals.
More importantly, the win assured Team Philippines of at least a bronze--the first medal of the country’s boxing team in this Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Villegas showcased her defensive maneuvers in the first round, earning the nod of three judges.
Exchanges became more intense in the second, with three judges marking it for the French woman. At this point, three of the scorecards were tied. Villegas and Lkhadiri had one judge each voting in their favor.
The last round saw rugged boxing from both boxers, with Villegas and Lkhadiri struggling to land combination punches.
Both fighters traded blows early with Villegas waiting for her opening to land successive jabs and solid hits to take the opening round over Khadiri in a close call.
In the end, the pride of Tacloban City got the 3-2 split decision: 29-28, 29-28, 27-30, 28-29, 29-28.
Villega will next face Buse Naz Çakiroglu of Turkey in the semifinals on August 7.