Pinay boxer Petecio one win away from sure bronze; Paalam into Round of 16

CEBU, Philippines —  Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio stunned World No.1  Lin Yu-ting of Chinese Taipei by the slimmest of margins in their Round of 16 match under the women’s featherweight division of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics yesterday at the Kokugikan Arena in Japan.

Petecio eked out a 3-2 split decision win over Yu-ting to punch a ticket to the quarterfinals.

She only needs one more victory to assure Team Philippines of at least bronze medal.

Petecio could achieve that if she beats Colombia’s Yeni Marcela Arias Castaneda in her next fight on Wednesday.

“She stuck to the tactics, without overcommitting,” said coach Don Abnett.

It was a close battle in the first two rounds but the Davao-native Petecio managed to score crucial points in the third and final round that allowed her to spend the last few moments staying out of trouble.

“Sinabi ni coach Boy (Velasco) sa akin na lamang na tayo, ingatan mo yung lamang natin,” Petecio said.

In the men’s flyweight class, Petecio’s countryman Carlo Paalam prevailed over Ireland’s Brendan Irvine also by split verdict, 4-1, to march into the Round of 16.

“Thankful ako kasi nanalo tayo on the first day ng laro ko,” Paalam said. “Medyo dikit man ang laban, at least, binuhos ko kung anong natitira sa pagod ko, binuhos ko na lahat po.” — EBV