Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio in action against Jordan’s Mays Alreem Abukhadijah in the women's 60kg class in the 2026 Asian Games, September 26, 2026 at the Nishio Gymnasium. POC Media
Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio opened her Asian Games campaign with a dominant victory over Jordan's Mays Alreem Abukhadijah in the women's 60kg class, Saturday afternoon at the Nishio Gymnasium.
The Tokyo Olympics silver medalist won via referee stoppage in the second round, after establishing her rhythm in the first. Two knockdowns in the second round sealed the deal for Petecio, with the referee waving off the bout.
The win assured her of a place in the quarterfinals of the competition.
"Nakita ko sa first round na pag papasok talaga siya, nakababa lang 'yung kamay niya. So inantay ko na siya, inantay ko na talaga siya. Timing-timing na lang ang ginawa namin," said Petecio.
Also a bronze medalist in the Paris Olympics in 2024, Petecio is embracing a new challenge as she competes in a heavier weight class in Japan.
The veteran is hoping to follow the footsteps of celebrated gymnast Carlos Yulo in completing her collection of medals. Like Yulo, only an Asian Games medal is missing from Petecio's trophy cabinet, which includes a gold in the world championship and a silver in the Asian championship, as well as a handful of medals from the Southeast Asian Games.
"Nakita ko nga po 'yung kay Caloy. So sobrang happy ako, nakumpleto na niya 'yung collection niya. Sana ako din. Sana ako din," said Petecio.
But it won't be an easy route for the 34-year-old, who next faces China's Yang Chengyu in the quarterfinals.
"Sobrang hirap po itong pagdadaanan ko kasi 'yung China Olympian din 'yun and Asian champion din 'yun," said Petecio, who noted that the Asian Games draw boasts of a tremendous collection of boxing champions.
"Lahat kami dito, mga Olympians. Halos 80% andito sa Asia ang Olympic medalists," she added.
Petecio is the third Filipino boxer to advance to the quarterfinals, after fellow Olympian Carlo Paalam and Junmilardo Ogayre.