The Philippine boxing squad is riding a wave of momentum at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games after Jay Brian Baricuatro’s dominant performance in the men’s 48-kilogram quarterfinals on Thursday at the Chulalongkorn University Sports Center.
His 5-0 dismantling of Vietnam’s Linh Punh Nguyen has guaranteed the Philippines at least eight medals in boxing.
Baricuatro showcased pinpoint accuracy and devastating combinations, leaving his opponent little room to fight back.
With this win, he joins Ofelia Magno in the semifinals, ensuring both boxers a spot on the podium.
They add to the already medal-assured Hergie Bacyadan, Riza Pasuit, Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas, Eumir Marcial, and Weljon Mindoro, who advanced to the semifinals either by drawing a bye in the first round or earning outright placements.
Despite the impressive medal haul, Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines secretary general Marcus Manalo emphasized that the team is aiming higher.
“May (eight) na tayo na assured bronze. Of course, you want a better color, ‘di ba?” Manalo said.
“Hindi naman okay na based on the draw lang ‘yung medal. Obviously, we’ll take that, but their job is to get to the podium even higher,” he added.
Meanwhile, other boxers are still battling for a finals berth, including Mark Ashley Fajardo, Junmilardo Ogayre, and Flint Jara.
Claudine Veloso, however, suffered a tough 5-0 defeat against Vietnam’s Vo Ti Kim Anh in the women’s 54kg category.
The spotlight next turns to Hergie Bacyadan, who will face defending champion and Thai favorite Manikon Baison in the women’s 70kg semifinals, with at least a silver medal already assured.
