Cover Aira Villegas of Team Philippines celebrates defeating Wassila Lkhadiri of Team France in their women’s 50kg quarter-final bout during their women's 60kg semi-final bout at the Paris North Arena (Photo: David Fitzgerald / Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Aira Villegas of Team Philippines celebrates defeating Wassila Lkhadiri of Team France in their women’s 50kg quarter-final bout during their women's 60kg semi-final bout at the Paris North Arena (Photo: David Fitzgerald / Sportsfile via Getty Images)
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At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Aira Villegas gives the Philippines its third medal by winning third place at the women’s boxing 50kg
Female boxer Aira Villegas adds to the number of Filipino wins at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Tacloban-based athlete earned bronze in the women’s boxing 50kg via unanimous decision. Her opponent, Türkiye’s Buse Naz Cakiroglu, had the judges’ nod, garnering the scores 30-27, 30-26, 30-27, 30-27, and 30-26.
Cakiroglu did not lose a single round at the Paris 2024 Olympics, highlighting her dominance in this weight class. She was able to lead the bout from the first round, even causing a standing eight count, which made an early upset for Villegas.
In case you missed it: Paris Olympics 2024 highlights
Above PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Aira Villegas of Team Philippines and Buse Naz Cakiroglu of Team Türkiye exchange punches during the Women's 50kg Semifinal match on day eleven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Roland Garros on August 06, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo: Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Aira Villegas of Team Philippines and Buse Naz Cakiroglu of Team Türkiye exchange punches during the Women's 50kg Semifinal match on day eleven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Roland Garros on August 06, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo: Getty Images)
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In the second round, Villegas stunned her opponent with a powerful knockdown, boosting her confidence as she landed several powerful punches.
However, it was not enough to defeat Cakiroglu, who had already won a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Related: Who is Carlos Yulo? The gymnast representing the Philippines in Paris 2024 Olympics
Above PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Aira Villegas of Team Philippines and Buse Naz Cakiroglu of Team Türkiye exchange punches during the Women's 50kg Semifinal match on day eleven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Roland Garros on August 06, 2024 in Paris, Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Aira Villegas of Team Philippines and Buse Naz Cakiroglu of Team Türkiye exchange punches during the Women's 50kg Semifinal match on day eleven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Roland Garros on August 06, 2024 in Paris, Getty Images)
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This is the Philippines’ third medal in the Paris 2024 Olympics Summer Games, following gymnast Carlos Yulo’s double gold medal in men’s gymnastics.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
