PARIS (Via PLDT Home) – The Philippines’ Aira Villegas pulled off a stunning upset win right on her 29th birthday, defeating the second-seeded Roumaysa Boualam of Algeria in the Round of 16 of the women’s 50kg division at the Paris Olympics.
A first-time Olympian, Villegas showcased exceptional skill and determination like a veteran to secure a unanimous decision victory over the higher-ranked opponent.
After a closely contested second round, the Filipina boxer regained control in the final round, ultimately impressing all five judges.
She won in the scorecards, 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28, 30-27.
The stunning win catapulted Villegas into the quarterfinals of the Olympic boxing tournament.
Her journey began with a decisive victory over Morocco’s Yasmine Mouttaki in the round of 32.
Villegas will go up against hometown bet Wassila Lkhadiri in the quarters on early Sunday (3:20 a.m.).
