Metro Manila, Philippines – Filipino boxer Nesthy Petecio suffered a shocking semifinal loss at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games and settled for a bronze medal in the women’s boxing 63kg on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Petecio, a two-time Olympic medalist, came across strong and dominant with her punches in the bout but faced a split decision-loss against Indonesia’s Hasanah Huswatun.
After three rounds of boxing, three out of five judges scored in favor of Huswatun.
“Lagi kong nirerespeto ‘yong decision ng judges,” Petecio said after the fight.
[Translation: I always respect the decision of the judges.]
It was Petecio’s first time to participate in the 63kg class or light welterweight, her heaviest in her career. She admitted that while it was a good experience for her, she preferred the 57kg class or featherweight.
Huswatun will play against Thailand’s Somnuek Thananya for the gold.
Petecio had bagged six medals, including two gold medals, at the SEA Games. She was also a 2019 world champion.
She is now preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, where she said she will revert to the featherweight division.
