Metro Manila, Philippines — Aira Villegas is assured of winning at least a bronze medal for the Philippines after scoring a split decision victory over Wassila Lkhadiri of France in the women’s 50 kg division quarterfinals Sunday at the North Paris Arena.
The 29-year-old Villegas had to finish strong following a closely-fought two rounds.
In the end, Villegas earned the nod of three of the five judges to seal the win and punch a semifinal ticket.
Nesthy Petecio is the other Filipino boxer who is still gunning for a medal in the women’s 57 kg class. She is set to battle Zichun Xu of China on Aug. 4.
Villegas will face Tokyo 2020 Olympics silver medalist Buse Naz Cakiroglu of Turkey on Aug. 7.
