MANILA, Philippines — Two-time Olympic medalist Nesthy Petecio ended her podium bid in the 2026 Asian Games campaign after losing via unanimous decision over Chinese foe Chengyu Yang on Monday afternoon in Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
Petecio, the most-bemedalled Filipina boxer, initially gunning for a podium spot in this edition, as this is her third time competing in Asiad.
She flexed her southpaw stance early in the opening frame and exchanged volume of punches against Yang.
However, despite Petecio making a combination of an uppercut, a straight punch, and an overhand left, she received a one-point deduction that allowed the Chinese to earn the five nods from the judges.
Yang was less aggressive in the second frame, and Petecio switched things up after starting with an orthodox stance.
The Filipino pug had a clean right hook, but it was not enough to impress the judges.
Petecio loaded up her punches in the final round, hoping to win via stoppage.
The Chinese boxer was playing smartly and was not engaging in the first minute, despite Petecio scoring a left hook.
However, Yang managed to stay alive in the final round.
Petecio earned a silver medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, followed by a bronze in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
