MANILA, Philippines – The Paris Olympics journey of 28-year-old Pinay boxer Aira Villegas will continue after winning against Yasmine Mouttaki from Morocco at the Round of 32 women's 50 kg division on Monday, July 29 (Philippine time).
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| Aira Villegas will be advancing to the Round of 16 where she will face an Algerian boxer. Photo courtesy: Cignal TV/OneSports via Facebook/Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) |
In the first round, Villegas quickly became active and landed some shots against Mouttaki. Before the end of the first, Villegas unleashed a good combination to wrap up her good performance in the opening round.
In the second round, both boxers continue exchanging jabs.
Entering the last round, Villegas and Mouttaki start to throw quick jabs as they try to land a big punch that will put them up in the judges score.
But after the three hard rounds, Villegas came out on top and won via unanimous decision.
Judges scores: 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28.
After the victory, Villegas shows respect to her opponent.
Villegas will now face Roumaysa Boualam from Algeria in the Round of 16 on Friday, August 2.
Aira Villegas will be advancing to the Round of 16 where she will face an Algerian Boxer. Here's the schedule for...
Posted by Philippine Sports Commission on Sunday, July 28, 2024
Besides Villegas, Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Hergie Bacyadan will also represent the Philippine boxing team in the Paris Olympics.
Marcial, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, is set to compete at the middleweight division.
Petecio, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, can be seen in the women's 57 kg division.
Paalam, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, will compete in the 57 kg division and Bacyadan will fight in the 75 kg division.
Overall, the Philippines sent a total of 22 athletes to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Read: 22 Filipinos to compete in Paris 2024 Olympics
— Carl Santiago, The Summit Express
