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Tag: Nesthy Petecio

  • Philippine boxing boosts Asian Games preparations with overseas training 

    Philippine boxing boosts Asian Games preparations with overseas training 

    The Philippine boxing team is leaving little to chance in its bid to reclaim the top of the Asian Games podium.

     

    With the 2026 Asian Games set for September 21 to October 2 in Aichi, Japan, the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) has lined up an extensive two-phase overseas training program, believing thorough preparation will be key to ending the country’s 16-year wait for an Asian Games boxing gold medal.

     

    “That’s our goal, of course,” Manalo said.

     

    The Philippines has not produced an Asian Games boxing champion since Rey Saludar captured the flyweight gold medal in Foshan, China in 2010. Since then, the country has come close but has fallen just short of returning to the top step of the podium.

     

    The closest finishes came through Charly Suarez, who settled for silver in the lightweight division at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea. 

     

    Rogen Ladon duplicated the feat in the flyweight class at the 2018 edition in Jakarta, Indonesia, before Eumir Marcial added another silver in the middleweight division during the 2022 Games in Hangzhou, China.

     

    Determined to rewrite that narrative, ABAP has arranged a pair of international training camps before the continental meet begins.

     

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    “We are participating in the pre-Asian Games training camp arranged by Asian Boxing, which has two phases,” said Manalo referring to the first one in Bangkok, Thailand, and the other in Nishio City, Japan from next month to September.

     

    The overseas camps are expected to give the national boxers valuable opportunities to spar against some of Asia’s top fighters while allowing them to acclimatize ahead of the Games in Japan.

     

    Leading the Philippine campaign will be a battle-tested core composed of Olympic medalists Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Aira Villegas, all of whom are expected to spearhead the country’s quest for podium finishes in Aichi.

     

    Marcial, in particular, will now devote his full attention to the national team after the planned undercard appearance in the postponed Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather event was put on hold.

     

    “Even prior to the postponement, he has committed for the Asian Games,” said Manalo.

     

    The presence of four Olympic medalists gives the Philippines one of its deepest boxing contingents in recent memory. 

     

    Petecio and Paalam have consistently delivered on the international stage, Marcial remains one of Asia’s premier middleweights, while Villegas continues to build on her breakthrough Olympic campaign as she prepares for another major test.

     

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  • Olympic boxing medalists lead ABAP’s charge for Asian Games redemption in Nagoya 

    Olympic boxing medalists lead ABAP’s charge for Asian Games redemption in Nagoya 

    Experience will be at the heart of the Philippine boxing team’s campaign in the 20th Asian Games as the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) turns to its Olympic medalists to lead the country’s bid for podium finishes in Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4. 

     

    Leading the Philippine boxing team for the September 19 to October 4 continental meet in Nagoya, Japan are Olympic medalists Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial, and Aira Villegas, whom ABAP believes possess the experience needed to contend against Asia’s best.

     

    For ABAP president Marcus Manalo, the Asian Games is not a tournament for athletes who are still learning the ropes. Instead, it is a competition reserved for boxers who have already proven they can compete on the international stage.

     

    “You’re there to get to the podium, to win medals, kung developmental ka pa hindi Asian Games ‘yong exposure, dapat ‘yong competition exposure ide-depende mo rin sa (competition level) ng athlete,” he added.

     

    Manalo stressed that earning a place on the national team requires meeting a high competitive standard rather than simply gaining experience.

     

    “Sa amin kasi you have to be at a specific level before you get to compete in the Asian Game. Sinasabi ko sa mga coaches ‘yong Asian Games hindi ‘yan pwedeng pang-exposure,” said Manalo.

     

    That philosophy explains why the federation is leaning on proven performers with Olympic success.

     

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    Petecio headlines the squad after becoming the first Filipina boxer to win an Olympic medal when she captured silver at the Tokyo Olympics before adding a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Games.

     

    Although the 34-year-old is still recovering from eye surgery following an injury, ABAP remains confident she will be ready in time for Nagoya.

     

    “May mga restrictions pa, pero she’s been preparing for the Asian Games, so, I think we’re going to get clearance naman kasi may several months pa naman,” Manalo said.

     

    Joining Petecio are Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Carlo Paalam, Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial, and Paris Olympic bronze medalist Aira Villegas, giving the Philippines one of its most experienced boxing lineups in recent years.

     

    ABAP is also exploring the possibility of adding professional boxer Weljon Mindoro as it seeks to field a deeper and more competitive delegation capable of challenging for multiple medals.

     

    While the federation continues to develop its younger talents, Manalo believes exposing them too early to one of Asia’s toughest sporting events could do more harm than good.

     

    “Mayroon naman tayo mga up-and-coming pero ‘yong Asian Games, it could be overwhelming rin din kasi for them, not all experience is good experience sa gantong level,” he added.

     

    Instead, ABAP plans to continue giving its emerging boxers international exposure through other competitions before entrusting them with the demands of the Asian Games.

     

    With a roster built around Olympic-tested veterans, the Philippine boxing federation is aiming to turn lessons from Hangzhou into a stronger medal campaign in Nagoya.

     

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  • Filipino boxing star Nesthy Petecio eyeing elusive Asian Games medal

    Filipino boxing star Nesthy Petecio eyeing elusive Asian Games medal

    Nesthy Petecio is more than just a two-time Olympic medalist—she is a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and the enduring Filipino fighting spirit. From her humble beginnings in Davao del Sur to standing on the world stage in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the Paris 2024 Olympics, Petecio has carved out a legacy defined by grit, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in her dreams.

     

    Throughout her decorated career, the 33-year-old has consistently overcome adversity, turning setbacks into motivation and challenges into triumphs. Yet despite her accomplishments on the global stage, one prize continues to elude her—a medal in the Asian Games. It is a goal that remains firmly on her radar as she looks ahead to the next phase of her journey.

     

    “May hangganan, tumatanda din po tayo, pero pipilitin ko pa rin makapasok sa next Olympics. Gusto ko pa ring makalaro sa Asian Games talaga, kasi zero pa ako dito – wala pa akong medal. ‘Yan na lang listahan ko na wala pa akong medal,” Petecio said in a media interaction.

     

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    “Hindi ko pa rin masabi kung last Olympics na ba, or last Asian Games,” she added.

     

    Even as she navigates the later stages of her career, Petecio’s hunger for excellence remains as strong as ever. She has set her sights not only on securing that elusive Asian Games podium finish but also on earning a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics—a testament to her enduring drive and commitment to representing the Philippines on the biggest stage.

    Her preparation, however, has not been without challenges. Petecio recently underwent eye surgery shortly after capturing a bronze medal at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand. The procedure temporarily sidelined her from training, but her recovery has been progressing well, offering optimism as she gears up for her return to competition.

     

    “My eye doctor already gave me the go-ahead to start training, but I still have a follow-up visit and need one more clearance. My recovery has been going well so far, and I hope it stays that way so everything goes smoothly and I can keep moving forward,” she shared.

     

    Despite the physical hurdles, Petecio’s dedication to her craft has never wavered. Known for her relentless work ethic and discipline, she is eager to regain peak form and continue competing at the highest level. Her journey serves as an inspiration not only to aspiring boxers but also to Filipinos who see in her story a reflection of perseverance and hope.

     

    Beyond the ring, Petecio’s contributions to Philippine sports have not gone unnoticed. She was recently honored with the Flame Award at the 2026 All-Women Sports Awards held at the Philippine International Convention Center, an event celebrating the achievements and impact of Filipino female athletes across various disciplines.

     

    “I feel so blessed with everything I am receiving. I am honored and blessed, and I am happy that all athletes are recognized and not just me, especially women. We are recognized for our hard work and sacrifices for our country,” Petecio concluded.

     

    As she continues her journey, Petecio remains focused on unfinished business. With her eyes set on new milestones and her spirit as unbreakable as ever, she stands ready to write the next chapter of an already remarkable career—one that could yet see her add another historic achievement to her name.

     

     

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