[Editors' note: Sixth of a series as we reveal SPIN.ph's choices for its yearend Sportsman of the Year awards, which is now on its 12th year]
FIGHTERS OF 2024
BOXING lived up to expectations anew as a reliable medal source for the Philippines in the Olympics.
Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas punched their way to bronze finishes in the Paris Olympiad, marking the second straight time boxing won multiple medals in the quadrennial showcase.
The 32-year-old Petecio, a two-time Olympian, did it in the women’s 57kg class, while the 29-year-old Villegas, fighting in her first Games, made her mark in the 50kg class.
Petecio made her feat special, as she became only the third Filipino – and first boxer - to win multiple Olympic medals after late swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso and iconic weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz. The Davao native won silver in Tokyo four years ago where Filipino boxers delivered two silvers and a bronze.
The lady boxers’ double win was also the perfect complement to the historic two-gold medal romp by gymnast Carlos Yulo that highlighted Team Philippines’ best-ever showing in a century of participation in the Olympiad.
While the dream gold remains elusive for Filipino boxers, the double bronze won by Petecio and Villegas in Paris made them rightful choices as Fighters of the Year by SPIN.ph.
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