MANILA, Philippines – Filipina boxer Aira Villegas has secured a bronze medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Villegas claimed the bronze medal after failing to win against Buse Naz Cakiroglu of Turkey in the semifinals of the women's 50 kg boxing event on Wednesday, August 7 (Manila time).
In the first round, Cakiroglu landed some good shots against Villegas.
Before the end of the first round, Cakiroglu unleashed a quick combination that resulted in a standing count to Villegas.
After the standing count, Villegas quickly wanted to recover and matched a punch against Cakiroglu but it wasn't enough and the opponent got a high score from the judges.
At the start of the second round, Villegas was still trying to keep up but Cakiroglu was also ready for the Filipino boxer's punches.
At the 1:06 mark of the second round, Cakiroglu went down but the referee didn't count it.
But when the replay of the fall was shown, Villegas' right jab could be seen hitting Cakiroglu in the face.
In the third round, the two boxers exchanged blows but at the end of the fight Cakiroglu went on top and won via unanimous decision.
Judges score: 30-27, 30-26, 30-27, 30-27, 30-26.
After the loss, Villegas applauded the talent of Cakiroglu.
𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐙𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐀𝐋 𝐖𝐈𝐍! 🥉🇵🇭 Aira Villegas ends her Olympic debut as a bronze medallist at the #Paris2024 Olympic Summer...
Posted by Philippine Sports Commission on Tuesday, August 6, 2024
"Halos parehas din kami ng laro pero ayon nga magaling din talaga magaling kumuha ng distansya everything," Villegas said in an interview with One Sports.
Villegas also admitted that this is the second time she faced Cakiroglu and she wants to bounce back from two losses.
"In the future, magkikita at magkikita pa rin kami sa susunod kailangan ko talaga bumawi hindi puwedeng mag-3-0 eh," the Pinoy boxer promised.
Villegas added that she is not disappointed in what she accomplished in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"Hindi naman ako super disappointed kasi ginawa ko yung best ko talagang napag-aralan and magaling, aminado ako magaling talaga siya pero syempre ginawa ko lahat ng best ko and I hope sa lahat ng mga Pilipino again napuyat i'm sorry guys nakapag-uwi ako ng medal sana proud pa rin kayo sa akin," Villegas added.
The 2024 Paris Olympics is Villegas' first step on the Olympics stage.
— Carl Santiago, The Summit Express
