By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Nesthy Petecio mauled her rival to remain the last Filipina standing in the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi, India Sunday, March 19.
Displaying the form that won her the silver medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the 30-year-old Davaoeño outclassed sixth seed Guy Tianna of Trinidad and Tobago, 6-0, in the 54-57 kg featherweight class.
The victory not only opened Petecio’s title bid on a high note but also arranged her a meeting with Venezuela’s Omailyn Alcala, who routed Chandra Kala Thapa of Nepal, 5-0.
Both Petecio and Alcala earned opening round byes.
Petecio’s triumph came after Aira Villegas absorbed a 5-0 beating at the hands of Bulgaria’s Zlatislava Chukanova in her opening-round match in the 48-50kg light flyweight division.
Judges from Argentina and India gave a close 29-28 score in favor of Chukanova, while Cuban, Algerian and Serbian judges had it 30-27 also for the Bulgarian.
Riza Pasuit was the first casualty of the small PH contingent after dropping her opening match in the 60-63kg light welterweight class on Friday, March 17.
