Three Filipino boxers faced the daunting challenge of going up against hometown favorites at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday at the Chulalongkorn University Sports Center.
Aira Villegas, Jay Bryan Baricuatro, and Flint Jara gave everything in the ring against formidable opponents, but their chances of victory seemed to hinge on a single outcome—knocking out their Thai adversaries.
Anything less left their fate in the hands of judges, who appeared predisposed to favor the host nation.
Paris Olympic silver medalist Villegas fell by unanimous decision to two-time World Championship bronze medalist and 2024 Asian Championship gold medalist Chuthamat Raksat in the women’s flyweight (50 kg) finals.
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Baricuatro also lost by unanimous decision to Thitiwat Phlongaurai in the men’s light flyweight (48 kg) final.
Both bouts were closer than the lopsided verdicts suggested, with many believing Villegas, in particular, made a strong case for the judges’ favor.
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Jara, who had impressed in his two earlier victories with an aggressive style, was largely neutralized in the bantamweight (54 kg) final by Thanarat Saengphet, ultimately losing via unanimous decision.
Thailand sent 16 of its 17 boxers to the finals, underscoring the home advantage that proved nearly insurmountable for the Filipino fighters.
