Nesthy Petecio faced a heart-wrenching defeat in what could be her final Olympic appearance.
The Filipino fighter succumbed to Poland’s Julia Szeremeta in a shocking split decision, 1-4, in the semifinals of the women’s 57 kg category at the Paris 2024 Boxing event on Thursday morning (Manila time) at Roland-Garros Stadium.
Despite the loss, Petecio’s Olympic journey remains remarkable.
She will leave Paris with a bronze medal, adding to her silver from Tokyo 2020, making her the first Filipino boxer to win medals in two consecutive Olympics.
The bout belonged to the younger and unpredictable Polish boxer, who leveraged her aggressiveness to secure a surprise victory, particularly in the decisive third round.
Szeremeta’s relentless pressure caught Petecio off guard, mirroring the strategy she employed in her previous bouts.
Petecio, drawing from her extensive experience, started strong.
In the opening round, she effectively countered Szeremeta’s every move, showcasing the skill and poise of a seasoned champion.
However, the 20-year-old Polish pugilist turned the tide in the second round, setting the stage for a major upset.
The final round saw Szeremeta’s aggressiveness paying off.
Her rapid combinations and relentless attacks ultimately overwhelmed Petecio, pulling the rug from under the 2020 finalist.
Despite Petecio’s best efforts to maintain control, Szeremeta’s unexpected surge in the third round proved decisive.
Petecio’s journey to this point has been inspiring.
Her silver medal win in Tokyo was a historic moment for Philippine boxing, and her performance in Paris, despite falling short of gold, solidified her legacy in the sport.
The Philippine boxing team concluded its campaign in Paris with commendable performances.
Alongside Petecio, Aira Villegas secured a bronze medal just a day before Petecio’s bout, marking a successful outing for the team.
