DR Congo's Marcelat Sakobi Matshu (red) and Philippines' Nesthy Petecio fight during their women's feather (54-57kg) preliminaries boxing match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo on July 24, 2021. Photo: Luis ROBAYO / AFP
Despite receiving far less attention, women from the country have been punching above their weight on the international stage for years. The Philippines has won just two gold medals at the AIBA World Boxing Championships, and both were won by women. One of those championships was clinched in 2012 by Josie Gabuco, a dominant regional force for over a decade, winning a women’s record five straight boxing gold medals at the Southeast Asian Games dating back to 2009.Gretchen Abaniel, by far the most accomplished female pro from the Philippines, says she messaged Petecio words of encouragement ahead of her bout with Testa, who is four inches taller than the 5’5” Petecio.“A lot of people, especially men, think that boxing is only for boys. But as women, we already earned a lot of respect.”
Philippines' Nesthy Petecio (red) reacts after winning against Colombia's Yeni Marcela Arias Castaneda at the end of their women's feather (54-57kg) quarter-final boxing match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo on July 28, 2021. Photo: Luis ROBAYO / AFP
“After a year, I missed boxing like before, when I started. Now I’m the one who comes back to the boxing ring.”