PHL boxer Petecio a win away from Olympic gold after beating Italian foe

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Philippines’ Nesthy Petecio celebrates after winning against Italy’s Irma Testa after their women’s feather (54-57kg) semi-final boxing match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo on July 31, 2021. (Photo by UESLEI MARCELINO / POOL / AFP)

 

(Eagle News) — Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio is just one win away from an Olympic gold after beating the taller Irma Testa of Italy on Saturday, July 31, in the women’s featherweight semifinals.

Because of this, Petecio is already assured of at least a silver medal in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics for winning in the semi-final round, and advances to the championship round set on Aug. 3

On Tuesday’s championship round, Petecio has a chance to bring the country’s second Olympic gold medal after weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz’s historic victory, should she beat her opponent.

Philippines’ Nesthy Petecio celebrates after winning against Italy’s Irma Testa after their women’s feather (54-57kg) semi-final boxing match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo on July 31, 2021. (Photo by UESLEI MARCELINO / POOL / AFP)

Petecio, who hails from Davao del Sur, earlier dominated Colombia’s Yeni Marcela Arias Castaneda.

On Saturday, Petecio beat Italy’s Testa who is the 2019 European featherweight champion.

 

Winner Philippines’ Nesthy Petecio (red) and Italy’s Irma Testa shake hands after their women’s feather (54-57kg) semi-final boxing match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo on July 31, 2021. (Photo by Luis ROBAYO / AFP)

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics is Petecio’s first Olympic stint. She won the gold in the 2019 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships and the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

 

(Eagle News Service)