Jay Bryan Baricuatro of the Philippines in action against Thailand's Thitiwat Phlongaurai in the final of the men's light flyweight division in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, December 19, 2025 at the Chulalongkorn University Sports Center in Bangkok. POC Media
(UPDATED) The gold remains elusive for the Philippine boxing team in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.
Jay Bryan Baricuatro was on the losing end of a split decision against Thailand's Thitiwat Phlongaurai in the final of the men's light flyweight division, Friday at the Chulalongkorn University Sports Center in Bangkok.
After a back-and-forth affair, four judges scored the bout in favor of the home bet, with just one siding with Baricuatro.
This is the second silver medal for the Philippines in the SEA Games, after Aira Villegas also placed second in women's flyweight earlier in the day.
Baricuatro had been aggressive to start the match, but found himself a target for his opponent's counter-punches.
He showed a great sense of urgency in the final round, landing some strong right hands, but it was not enough to sway the judges in his favor.
Afterward, a disappointed Baricuatro said he felt he had done enough to win.
"Talo ako pero sa tingin ng iba panalo ako. Pati ako din eh, parang nagtataka din ako," he said. "Not surprised at all, not surprised at all kasi nasa Thailand tayo. Thailand 'yung kalaban natin sa Finals."
"Next time, marami namang chances eh. Plano 'to ni God na baka hindi pa sa atin ngayon," he added.
Eumir Marcial and Flint Jara will try to salvage the boxing team's campaign in Thailand.