AIRA VILLEGAS ensured that her birthday this year would not be spoiled by defeating Roumayda Boualam of Algeria in the Round of 16 in the women’s 50kg event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Photo Courtesy: Ariana Cubillos
Villegas continues to create waves at the international Summer Games, demonstrating why the Philippines is a boxing powerhouse. Lifting the spirits of Filipinos who are hoping for a medal.
It was also a double celebration for the Filipina boxer, who turned 29 today, after defeating the second-seeded boxer in their weight class via unanimous decision at the North Paris Arena.
Villegas, who is a medal hopeful, has a chance as well, as she has advanced to the competition’s quarterfinals. Despite being an Olympic debutant, the boxer shown world-class talent and intelligence.
Unstoppable Villegas
Boualam, a two-time African Games gold medalist, had a bye into the round of 16, but was quickly put on notice by Villegas in the first round, as the Filipina began aggressively and struck the larger shots.
The southpaw from Tacloban City consistently backed off her 29-year-old Algerian opponent with stinging left punches and rapid combinations, earning the unanimous decision from all five judges in the opening round.
Photo Courtesy: Ariana Cubillos
The Pinay boxer wobbled again in the second round of the match, just like she had in her first Round of 32 match. Boualam returned to win three of the five scorecards in the second round, scoring with her jab against Villegas.
However, the Filipina fought back in the third round, winning their exchanges and finding a target for her straight left. Villegas delivered a dominant effort, finishing with 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27 scorecards.
A step closer to the promise land
Villegas was serenaded by a segment of the arena’s audience and was received by ABAP chairman Ricky Vargas and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino at ringside after winning.
She was later given a birthday cake by the Philippine boxing squad, which was led by ABAP secretary-general Marcus Jarwin Manalo.
“Natupad naman na po ‘yung una [wish], pero syempre ‘yung pinaka-wish ko po is makapag-uwi ng medalya,” shared the birthday celebrant Villegas, when asked what her birthday wish would be.
With a commanding victory, Villegas draws one step closer to the promised land. She will face a French bet in the quarterfinals, Wassila Lkhadiri, who defeated Ireland’s Daina Moorehouse in their Round of 16 match.
Moreover, a win over Lkhadiri guarantees Villegas a bronze medal and a spot in the semifinals. She is the third boxer to reach the Final Eight, behind Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio.
