May 29 ------ Hergie Bacyadan resumed the Philippines’ campaign at the 2nd World Boxing Qualification for Paris Olympics with a dominant first-round victory in Bangkok, Thailand.
After the small PH contingent suffered back-to-back setbacks from Rogen Ladon and Criztian Pitt Laurente, Bacyadan provided a beacon of hope and clobbered Dunia Martinez Mas of Spain with a 5-0 victory to advance to the Round of 16 in the women’s 75kg division. Three judges scored 30-27, one judge 30-26 and the last judge a commanding 30-25 triumph for Bacyadan, who controlled the match throughout with her aggressive form.
Bacyadan, who previously competed in wushu and vovinam before returning to boxing, will next face Veronica Nakota of Hungary, who also debuted with a flourish with a 5-0 triumph over Sweden’s Love Holgersson. A three-time European champion, Nakota is trying her luck for the second time after a first-round exit at the 1st World Qualification in Busto Arsizio, Italy last March. Bacyadan also lost in the opening round in Italy, but was more determined this time in her last attempt of earning an Olympic berth.
Meanwhile, 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Carlo Paalam currently battles Turkmenistan Shukur Ovezov for a spot in the Round of 16 of the men’s 57kg class. He and Bacyadan remain the only Filipino left in the qualifications, hoping to follow the footsteps of Paris qualifiers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas.
Source: mb.com.ph
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