MANILA, Philippines – Nesthy Petecio settled for a silver medal in the Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday, August 3.
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| Nesthy Petecio still makes history as the first Filipina to win an Olympic medal in boxing! | Photo Courtesy: Twitter/Paolo del Rosario |
The Philippines continues to celebrate despite Petecio’s loss in the finals of the women’s featherweight division at the Tokyo Olympics. The Filipina boxer was defeated by a former foe Sena Irie of Japan, who already beat her twice in three previous encounters. Irie was declared the winner by a unanimous decision, 5-0.
The Japanese boxer also had a lot of motivation to win. Her victory meant not only defending this year’s host country but also to be named as the third Japanese to ever win a gold medal in boxing.
Petecio now joins the ranks of Anthony Villanueva and Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco who are recognized as the Philippines’ Olympic silver medalists in boxing.
Petecio earlier secured the silver medal when she won against Irma Testa of Italy in the semifinal round via a 4-1 split decision.
Prior to the championship bout, Petecio went on Facebook to share her appreciation for the support and to ask for prayers. She said,
“Gusto ko pong mag-thank you sa dasal n’yo, sa suporta n’yo. Grabe, ramdam na ramdam ko ang dasal n’yo sa taas ng ring po. Isang laban na lang po tayo, sa August 3. Kailangan ko po ulit ng dasal n’yo. Pagtrabuhan po natin ang gold po para maiuwi natin.”
As an Olympic silver medalist, impressive incentives and benefits await for Petecio as she returns. She is expected to receive at least P17 million as cash incentives. Business tycoons Manny V. Pangilinan and Ramon Ang pledged P5 million each for an Olympic silver medal while Rep. Mikee Romero also pledged an additional P2 million. As mandated by law, silver medalists are entitled to a P5 million incentive from the government.
— Sally, The Summit Express