Bohol-descended boxer Nesthy Petecio advanced to the next round of the women’s 57kg boxing event at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday, defeating India’s Jaismine Lamboria by unanimous decision.
Petecio, 32, whose grandfather hails from Inabanga town in Bohol province, dominated the bout from start to finish at the Paris North Arena. All five judges scored the match in her favor, with three 30-27 cards and two 29-28 scores.
The Tokyo Olympics silver medalist said she had carefully studied her opponent’s style and is determined to secure a gold medal in Paris.
"I analyzed her movements thoroughly and I’m focused on bringing home the gold," Petecio told reporters after the match.
Petecio’s victory in Tokyo marked the Philippines’ first Olympic boxing silver in over two decades, following Onyok Velasco’s silver medal performance in 1996.
The Filipino boxer will face reigning European Games champion Amina Zidani of France in the next round on Saturday.
Petecio’s Olympic success has brought pride to her ancestral province of Bohol, known for its chocolate hills and tarsier population, as she continues her quest for Olympic gold in Paris.