Hergie Bacyadan to focus on other sports also with future of Olympic boxing uncertain

With the future of boxing in the Olympics uncertain, Hergie Bacyadan said she will turn her focus on other sports which she is also practicing.

The sport of boxing needs to have an organization accredited by the International Olympic Committee and if not, then the sport might not be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic program.

"Pag-isipan ko pa po kasi bukod doon sa condition na di natin alam if matutuloy pa, mag-focus na lang din muna ako sa ibang sport na nandiyan. 'Yung present talaga na lagi kong ma-ano which is boxing and vovinam," Bacyadan told reporters on the sidelines of a victory party for Philippine athletes at the Hilton Manila on Tuesday.

Bacyadan is also practicing vovinam where she is a world champion, and wushu where she is a silver medalist in the world championship.

But while waiting for boxing's inclusion in LA, Bacyadan also said she plans to become a pro athlete.

"Let's see kung anong maging, kasi tinitingnan ko kung saan ako pabor, kung anong ibigay na chance sa akin ni Lord and kung saan ako kumportable and happy ako, doon ako."

"Kung either mag-professional boxing or bigyan din ako ng offer sa MMA, kung saan ako compatible, doon ako," she added.

Bacyadan had an early exit in Paris as she suffered a loss against China's Li Qian in the Round of 32 of the women's 75kg event, but said her stint was full of lessons.

"Experience po talaga. Sabi ko, 'yung makatungtong pa lang ng Olympics, mahirap na. How much more 'yung Olympics talaga? Sobrang excited ka, pressured, pero pagdating mo ng ring, mawawala na 'yun. Kumbaga sa performance ka na lang naka-focus and paano ka makakapuntos sa kalaban."

"Di talaga pinalad, ganun talaga. Sabi nila may next time pa naman. Ang importante, nasubukan mo."

The Philippines had two bronze medals from boxing care of Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio in the Summer Games.

—GMA Integrated News