Nesthy Petecio is the new World Featherweight Champion after besting Russian champion Lludmila Vorontsove to capture the gold at the 2019 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships on October 13.
The Filipina boxer from Davao won in points via split decision, 3:2, given by the five-member judge panel from Ireland, Australia, Korea, Japan, and Argentina. Petecio had two judges scoring the bout 30-27, and a third judge gave her a 29-28 scorecard, also against the Russian.
The new AIBA World Featherweight champion delivered her win amidst the roaring home crowd of her favored opponent in the 57kg division of the world championships held at the FSK Sports Complex in Ulan-Ude, Russia.
Nesthy Petecio, the Philippines’ 3-time Southeast Asian Games silver medalist, dropped to her knees at the announcement of her victory and cried after displaying sportsmanship embracing her opponent and the Russian coaches.
Nesthy Petecio finally made the top podium finish to lead the singing of the Philippine National Anthem at the AIBA, improving on her silver medal finish in the same competition in 2014. Petecio is the second Filipino boxer to win gold at the AIBA after 2019 Asian Boxing Championships‘ Best Female Boxer Josie Gabuco won gold in 2012.
The 27-year-old champion went into the finals match after winning against Karriss Artingstall of England in the semifinals. On the way to the semis, Petecio beat Sena Irie of Japan, Qiao Jieru of China, Stanimira Petrova of Bulgaria, and Jucielen Romeu of Brazil.
Nesthy Petecio had previously won gold in Russia at the 2018 Korotkov Memorial Boxing Championships in Khabarovsk. She also won in India and Poland.
WATCH the video of the ring battle (1:16:00-) and SEND Nesthy Petecio congratulations in the comments below!
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