NAGOYA, Japan — Nesthy Petecio’s Asian Games campaign ended without a medal Monday, but the two-time Olympic medalist said her family could continue her boxing legacy long after she leaves the sport.
Petecio lost to China’s Yang Chengyu in the quarterfinals of the women’s 60-kilogram division, ending her bid for an Asian Games medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
The 34-year-old said her younger brother, Norlan, could carry on the family’s boxing tradition when she can no longer compete at the Asian Games.
Petecio hopes Norlan will make the Philippine national team for the 2031 Asian Games in Qatar.
She also said the family’s boxing legacy could eventually continue through her nephew or her own children.
“It won’t end with me. There will definitely be a successor,” Petecio said.
Petecio eyes another Olympics
Petecio remains committed to competing despite her quarterfinal exit. She continues to target another Olympic campaign at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Against Yang, Petecio tried to close the distance against the taller and younger Chinese boxer, but Yang controlled enough exchanges to secure a semifinal berth.
Petecio has won medals at each of the past two Olympics and has spent much of her career with the Philippine national team.
Veteran boxer defends teammates
Petecio also spoke about criticism directed at Filipino athletes, saying she worries more about its effect on younger teammates than on herself.
She said some athletes struggle to handle negative comments from critics, while she chooses to dismiss the criticism.
Petecio also said critics often lack a full understanding of the challenges athletes face while preparing for international competitions.
Despite her age, she said she remains capable of competing against younger boxers in her weight class.