Paris Olympics: Nesthy Petecio punches her way to Round of 16

THERE is no better way to make your debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics than with a dominant win, as Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio did early Wednesday morning (PH Time). 

Photo Courtesy: AFP

Petecio faced India’s Jaismine Lamboria, who was much taller and younger than her, in the Round of 32 in the North Paris Arena. With expertise, the boxer defeated her opponent 5-0 by unanimous decision. 

The Filipina fighter has previously stated that this could be her final Olympic appearance. Petecio made the battle worthwhile by repeatedly delivering strong blows to the Indian boxer’s head.

Heart over height

In the second round, the 5-foot-9 Lamboria attempted to level the battle by pressuring Petecio with her reach and hitting jabs against the smaller Pinay boxer, but was unable to do so. 

Petecio, undeterred by the height difference, made sure to block all strikes and answered them with her effective quickness, while raining down good inside punches on Lamboria. 

Given the critical situation, the second round could have been beneficial for India’s young representatives. Petecio, on the other hand, used her Olympic expertise to dictate the tempo for the rest of the match.

Photo Courtesy: AFP

Petecio outwitted his 22-year-old opponent with impressive head movement and footwork throughout the three rounds. The Filipina boxer was all grins in the blue corner, knowing she was going to win.

The tougher the better

Petecio helped the Philippines win a well-deserved second medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Davao Del Sur native’s redemption journey is becoming increasingly difficult as she prepares to meet Aminz Zidani. 

Zidani, a home audience favorite, is seeded third in the 50kg weight class. Furthermore, she won a bronze medal at last year’s 2023 World Championship, which took place in New Delhi. 

With a silver Olympic medal under Petecio’s belt, it can be expected that she will be hungry come game time, determined to show that the Philippines is home to outstanding and powerful fighters.

Kayla Sanchez out

Filipina Kayla Sanchez’s hopes of reaching the podium in swimming were dashed after she finished 15th out of 16 semifinalists in the women’s 100m freestyle at the Paris La Defense Arena. 

The 23-year-old Sanchez earned silver and bronze medals in the Tokyo Olympics four years ago, while still representing Canada. She then moved to the Philippines in 2022, making her debut at the 2023 Asian Games. 

Despite being unable to advance to the final, the teenage swimmer set a national record in the women’s 100m freestyle, recording 53.67 seconds in the heats.

Meanwhile, Petecio will return to the ring on August 3 at 2:00AM (PH time) for her Round of 16 bout versus Zidani, who received a bye to the Round of 32, with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals.