Aira Villegas concludes Olympic debut in bronze

Filipina boxer Aira Villegas wraps up her maiden appearance in the 2024 Paris Games after bagging bronze in the women’s 50kg semifinals at the Roland Garros Stadium on Wednesday, August 7 (Manila time).

Villegas fell prey at the hands of more seasoned and third-seeded rival Buse Naz Cakiroglu of Turkey, absorbing a unanimous decision loss. 

The Filipina made a valiant effort, landing significant punches but the formidable Turkish boxer proved to be too much for Villegas, setting the pace early enough to sweep the judges’ score cards, 30-27, 30-26, 30-27, 30-27, 30-26.

This is the Philippines’ third medal in the ongoing Paris Games following gymnast Carlos Yulo’s double gold medal in men’s gymnastics. 

Villegas exceeded expectations in her Summer Games debut, becoming the Philippines’ second female boxer to win an Olympic medal after teammate Nesthy Petecio. 

Petecio, the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, is the last fighter in the contention for the Philippines, with Eumir Marcial and Hergie Bacyadan losing their opening bouts and Carlos Paalam exiting in the quarterfinals.

Petecio assumes the responsibility of winning the Philippines’ first-ever Olympics gold in the sport as she battles Poland’s Julia Szeremeta in the women’s 57kg semifinals on Thursday, August 8 (Manila time).