Aira Villegas

Olympian Aira Villegas, a rising star in the sport of boxing, began her journey at age nine with training by her brother, who shares her passion. Her years of dedication were rewarded with a bronze medal in the light flyweight division at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

At 16, Villegas joined the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, where Olympian Violito Payla recognized her potential and brought her to train with the national team in Manila. Known for her southpaw (left-handed) stance, Villegas poses a unique challenge to her opponents with her distinct and complex moves.

Before the Olympics, Villegas competed in various international events, including the IBA Women's World Boxing Championships, Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, and Asian Games, where she gained experience and honed her skills. After winning a bronze medal at the 2019 SEA Games, in 2022 she was awarded the prestigious Olympic Solidarity Scholarship by the International Olympic Committee, which helped further her training. This dedication culminated in a podium finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics, as she took home the bronze medal, a proud moment for her and her country.