International Boxing Association (IBA) World Champion, Nesthy Petecio, is one of the best women boxers to come from the Philippines. The 32-year-old etched her name in history at the 2020 Olympic Games, becoming the first Filipino woman to win an Olympic medal in boxing. Her journey has been nothing short of inspiring, with many ups and downs, but her resilience and determination continue to shine through as she sets her sights on the 2028 Olympics, aiming for the elusive gold medal.
Petecio first made headlines in the global boxing scene when she clinched a silver medal in the women’s featherweight division at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This achievement marked a historic moment for Filipino sports, as it showcased her extraordinary talent and commitment to the sport. Four years later, she continued her impressive form by winning the bronze medal in the women’s 57-kilogram category at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. This victory marked her second consecutive Olympic medal, solidifying her status as one of the Philippines' top boxers.
It's #bronze! 🇵🇭
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) August 7, 2024
Nesthy Petecio takes bronze for the Philippines in boxing women's 57kg! 🥊#Boxing | #Paris2024 | #Samsung | #TogetherforTomorrow pic.twitter.com/MFgowxWYll
Despite her success, Petecio hinted that the 2024 Paris Games might be her last Olympic appearance. However, after some deep reflection and encouragement from her fans and loved ones, she decided to take one more shot at the gold in the 2028 Olympics. In a recent media interaction, Petecio shared her renewed resolve to compete again, stating, “When I was on the podium and the flags were being raised, I looked at our flag and I told myself that I want to put it in the middle. When I looked at the flag of Taipei, I thought about our flag being in the same place. I asked the Lord, ‘Is this a sign that I need to compete once more?’ I said I will give it a try. A last shot. The fire is still there.”
Petecio's path to Olympic glory has not been without challenges. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, she faced Poland’s Julia Szeremeta in the women’s 57-kilogram semifinal event. Despite a strong performance, Petecio lost in a 4-1 split decision, a result she found hard to accept. She expressed her frustration with the judging, noting, “As you saw, we gave it our all. We do our best in the ring. But it is hard when you are going up against the judges. We need to be more convincing.”
For Petecio, this loss was not just about missing the chance to compete for gold, but it was a stark reminder of the subjectivity that sometimes plays a role in boxing. Determined to leave no room for doubt in the future, Petecio is focused on refining her skills and strategies to ensure that her next Olympic appearance will be her most convincing yet. She knows that to achieve her dream of winning gold, she must be at her absolute best, both physically and mentally.
Petecio’s achievements place her among an elite group of Filipino athletes who have won multiple Olympic medals. This prestigious list includes legends like swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso, who won bronze medals at the 1928 and 1932 Olympic Games; weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who captured silver in the 2016 Rio Olympics and made history with the Philippines’ first-ever gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics; and gymnast Carlos Yulo, who has been a trailblazer for Filipino gymnastics by winning two gold medals at the ongoing Olympic Games.
Being part of such a distinguished group of athletes is both an honor and a motivator for Petecio. She draws inspiration from their stories of perseverance and success, and she hopes to add to her legacy by achieving her ultimate goal—a gold medal. For Petecio, the 2028 Olympics represent not just another competition, but her final chance to fulfill a dream that has fueled her entire career.
While Petecio is eager to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, there is uncertainty surrounding the inclusion of boxing in the event. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently revoked its recognition of the International Boxing Association (IBA) and set a 2025 deadline for the establishment of a new international boxing body. This decision has cast a shadow over the future of boxing in the Olympics, with many athletes and fans left in limbo.
In response, World Boxing, an organization that includes the Association Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP), is lobbying for recognition from the IOC. The group is working tirelessly to keep boxing in the Olympic sports program, advocating for changes that will align the sport with the IOC’s standards. For Petecio and other boxers worldwide, the hope is that these efforts will be successful, allowing them to compete on the world’s biggest stage.
Petecio’s commitment to the sport and her unwavering desire to bring honor to her country have made her a role model for aspiring boxers in the Philippines. Her journey from a young girl dreaming of Olympic glory to a world champion and Olympic medalist is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and belief. As she prepares for what could be her final Olympic journey, Petecio’s legacy continues to grow, inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue their dreams with the same passion and determination.
As Petecio sets her sights on the 2028 Olympics, one thing is certain: she will continue to fight with the heart of a champion, driven by the dream of seeing the Philippine flag in the center, where it truly belongs.
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