Nesthy Petecio continued to blast through the 2020 Summer Games’ women’s featherweight division, zapping Colombia’s Yeni Arias Castaneda by way of a unanimous decision, Wednesday at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan in Japan.
The win assured the Philippines of its first medal in boxing since 1996, or since Onyok Velasco won silver in Atlanta.
“Pagod,” was the first word uttered by the 29-year-old Davaoena after the bout to One Sports’ Paolo Del Rosario.
Of course, the Olympic grind has been a marathon for her. Just four days ago, she blitzed through Congo’s Marcelat Sakobi Matshu. Then just two days ago, she booted out top-seeded Lin Yuting in the Round of 16 in a close 3-2 decision.
But this time around, Petecio has vengeance on her mind — a fightback three years in the making.
Back in 2018, Arias Castaneda defeated Petecio in the world championships. Clearly, it has lingered in the minds of Petecio’s team.
“Natalo na po niya ko nung 2008 World Championships. Mas preperado kami dito,” said Petecio.
Counter-punching was the name of the game for Petecio to start the bout. When she settled down, Petecio picked apart Castaneda with quick shots to earn the points.
Her performance assured the Philippines of its first multi-medal finish in 89 years or since Teófilo Yldefonso (200m breaststroke), Simeon Toribio (high jump), and José Villanueva (men’s bantamweight-boxing) all won bronze in the 1932 Los Angeles Games.
Petecio will next face Italy’s Irma Testa in the women’s featherweight finals on Saturday at 12:39PM.
