By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Irish Magno and Riza Pasuit mauled their respective opponents to reach the gold-medal round in women’s boxing in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games at the Chroy Changvar Convention Center late Tuesday, May 9.
The Tokyo Olympian Magno scored a unanimous win over Indonesia’s Novita Sinadia to advance to the final of the women’s 54kg, while Pasuit beat Singapore’s Nu Sabrina Binte Mohd Faizal, 4-1, for a finals berth in the women’s 63kg.
Magno’s victory arranged her a meeting with Thailand’s Jutamas Jitpong, who won via referee-stopped-contest in Round 2 against hometown bet Yeleubayeva Aishagul.
Pasuit, on the other hand, will next face Vietnam’s Thi Linh Ha, who prevailed over Myanmar’s Kay Thwe Nyein via unanimous decision.
Five other PH boxers shoot for final slots at presstime that include Rogen Ladon in the men’s 51kg, Ian Clark Bautista in the 57kg, Norlan Petecio in the 67kg, John Marvin in the 80kg and Nesthy Petecio in the women’s 57kg.
Carlo Paalam, Paul Julyfer Bascon and Markus Tongco see action in their respective semifinals Thursday, May 10.
