It is now two of three for University of Baguio as two of its boxers advanced to the round of 16 by dominating their opponents in their Olympics debut over the weekend.
One of the country’s medal contenders Nesthy Petecio started the ball rolling with her victory in the 57 kilogram women’s boxing over Marcelat Sakobi Matshu of the Democratic Republic of Congo last Saturday at the Kokgikan Arena at the Japanese capital.
The Tatak Cardinals Petecio won on five cards although judge three saw it Matshu’s way in the first round but still gave the Filipina the win, 29-28, even as the rest of judges saw it 30-27 in favor of the former AIBA world chaimpion.
On Sunday, criminology student Irish Magno made it 2-0 as she totally outclassed Christine Ongare of Kenya 5-0 to advance to the round of 16 in the 51 kg division of the women’s 48-51 kg division.
Magno was so dominant that she got scores of 30-26 from judge 1 and 30-27 from the rest of the five judges in the three round contest.
“We’re so proud of you Aye,” wrote sister and former UB women basketball team member Cheryl Magno on Facebook
Next up will be light flyweight Carlo Paalam who will see action tomorrow at 12:03 PM.
Another medal hopeful, Eumir Marcial has already qualified for the round of 16 with his fight slated on July 29 at 11:48 AM against the winner of the match between the representatives from Uganda and Algeria.
However, on Saturday Abra pride Kurt Bryan Barbosa in the taekwondo 58 kg division.
Barbosa was totally outclassed by 2019 male taekwondo player of the year by the World Taekwondo Jang Jun, who won 26-5.
The 6’0” Korean pride carries an impressive record that include the World Championships gold in 2019 held in Manchester, England. That goes along with three Grand Prix wins on the same year: Sofia, Belgrade, Chiba, Japan and Rome, Italy. Aside from a silver medal in the Moscow stage.
In 2018, he won the gold in the Fujairah, United Arab Emirates edition and in Moscow, but only managed a bronze medal In Taoyuan, Chinese Taipeh.
Barbosa may yet get into the medal round through repechage and if Jang gets into the finals.
