Metro Manila, Philippines — Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas are on track to follow the golden feat of champion gymnast Carlos Yulo as they continue their fight in the women’s boxing competition in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The two boxers will be vying for a spot in the gold medal round in an iconic venue where tennis greats are celebrated — the Roland Garros Stadium, home of the French Open.
Prior to moving to Roland Garros, the boxing tournament was held at the North Paris Arena.
Villegas, in her first Olympic stint, will be facing Tokyo 2020 Olympics silver medalist Buse Naz Cakiroglu of Turkey in their 50 kg semifinal clash on Aug. 7.
Meanwhile, Petecio will battle Poland’s Julia Szeremeta in the 57 kg semis on Aug. 8.
A win will secure Villegas and Petecio a shot for the gold, while a loss means they will settle for bronze.
The Philippines now has four medals in the Paris Olympics with Yulo nabbing two gold in the men’s artistic gymnastics earlier.
