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Filipino boxer Ella Villegas gave herself the best birthday present on her 29th birthday: She advanced to the women’s 50kg quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino boxer Ella Villegas celebrated her 29th birthday in the most memorable way at the Paris Olympics.
Villegas gave herself the best gift when she defeated Algeria’s Roumaysa Boualam to advance to the women’s 50kg quarterfinals at the Paris Arena del Norte on Thursday, August 1 (Friday, August 2, Manila time).
“This is the best gift I’ve ever given myself. I’ll remember it my whole life. This is a gift to my younger self and my future self. I heard (the fans singing Happy Birthday). I’m so grateful,” Villegas told reporters.
Villegas was recognized by all five judges with scores of 30-27, 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28, and was just one step away from receiving a medal.
The pride of Tacloban City has qualified for the first and third rounds and will battle France native Wassila Lkhadiri for a spot in the semifinals on Saturday, August 3 (Sunday, August 4, Manila time).
Each of the four semifinalists is guaranteed at least a bronze medal.
“I’m so proud of myself,” Villegas said. “For now, it’s just a dream to get a medal. But here I am. I’m proud of myself for being here.”
Two-time African Games champion Boalam kept the fight in balance by winning 3-2 in the second round, but Boalam slowed down the pace in the final round as Villegas landed the cleaner shots to win by unanimous decision.
Villegas’ win was her second against an opponent from the African continent, having previously defeated Morocco’s Yasmine Mouttaki, also from Unanimous decision.
However, reaching the semifinals will not be easy for Villegas as she will face a strong opponent, Lakhhadiri, who won the bronze medal in the last IBA Women’s World Boxing Championship.
Lakhhadiri, seeded seventh and given a bye in the first round, defeated Ireland’s Daina Moorehouse 4-1 in the round of 16 to advance to the quarterfinals.
Still in the running for boxing medals are Naci Petesio (Women 57kg) Goodbye Carlo (Men’s 57kg). – Reuters/Rappler.com reports
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