Boxers Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas share inspiration in upcoming Paris Olympics

Boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas will come in inspired in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

Petecio and Villegas punched their tickets to the Summer Games in the Olympic Qualifiers for boxing held last March.

As they carry the flag and hope for the nation's second gold medal, Petecio and Villegas are also challenged to claim the country's first gold medal in boxing.

Petecio fell short of that in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics three years ago as she settled for silver against Sena Irie in the 60kg finals.

"Di naman siya ganun kadaling makukuha, paghihirapan talaga 'yan and naniniwala ako na andiyan lagi si Lord para gabayan ako," Petecio told JP Soriano in his 24 Oras report aired on April 9.

(It's not that easy to get, you will really strive to get it and I believe the Lord is there to guide me.)

Villegas, meanwhile, will dedicate her upcoming stint to her brother who previously wanted to become a national athlete.

"Pangarap niya maging national team. Last niya na game I think is 2012, sabay kami tapos di niya na kaya kasi I think fractured 'yung kamay niya so ako na lang pinush niya," Villegas said about her brother who also previously fought in boxing.

(He dreamt of being in the national team. I think he last fought back in 2012, we fought but he could not continue because I think his hand was fractured so he pushed me to continue.)

Aside from Petecio and Villegas, Eumir Marcial is also among the boxers who have already clinched spots in the Paris Games.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News