Nesthy Petecio closes on 2020 Tokyo Olympics berth

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Nesthy Petecio is one win away from her 2020 Tokyo Olympic dream.

After dismantling Sri Lanka’s Krismi Langkapurayalage with a 5-0 unanimous decision in the women’s featherweight division, Petecio will now advance in the Asia and Oceania Olympic boxing qualifiers.

The dominating win during the quarterfinals boosted Petecio’s confidence to cruise through the prized tournament after picking the Sri Lankan apart with her technical style of boxing.

Edging the first two rounds with her wide array of attacks, Petecio closed the gap and started to throw 1-2 combinations, connecting with her opponent efficiently.

During the third, with Petecio ahead in the scorecards, the Filipina slugger started to play safe and went to a more defensive-oriented style.

On Sunday, Petecio will face Sena Irie of Japan for the first bout of the women’s featherweight semifinals.

Only the top 4 female boxers will advance to the Tokyo Olympics. If Petecio manages to clinch the win against the Japanese, her Olympics seat would be automatically guaranteed.