Onyok Velasco believes Nesthy Petecio can surpass his feat: 'Alam ko kaya niya ang gold'

Onyok Velasco was the last Filipino boxer to win a medal in the Olympics when he won a silver in the 1996 Atlanta Games in the light flyweight division.

On Wednesday morning, another Filipina fighter moved closer to matching that feat. Nesthy Petecio edged Yeni Marcela Arias Castaneda of Colombia via a unanimous decision for a semifinals berth and a guaranteed medal finish.

Although Petecio is already assured of at least a bronze, Velasco firmly believes that the Davao native can bag the gold in the prestigious Summer Games.

"Oo naman. Alam ko kaya niya ang gold. Napapanood ko 'yung mga laban niya and sa mga pinapakita niya, feel ko pwede siya sa gold," Velasco said in an interview with GMA News Online Wednesday.

("Of course, I know she can win the gold. She can. I watched her matches and from what she is showing, she's good for gold.")

"Pero wag lang sana siya ma-pressure kasi may pressure e. Sa totoo lang, nakaka-impress 'yung mga ginagawa niya at humahanga ako," he added.

("But she should not be pressured. She should just continue what she's doing. To be honest, I am impressed.")

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Velasco said he witnessed how Petecio grew from a petite young lady from the province to a fine boxer who is bringing pride to her country.

That's why Velasco, 47, has no doubt Petecio can finish her Olympic campaign with a gold medal hanging around her neck.

"Naalala ko, bata pa lang 'yan nakikita ko na 'yan eh. Maliit pa siya noon. Parang nirerecruit pa lang siya na sumali sa national team," he said. "Nakitaan ko agad ng potential 'yung bata."

("I have seen when she was still being recruited to join the national team. And even at a young age, I can see that she's determined to pursue boxing. I can immediately see the potential in her.")

Velasco also shared some pieces of advice to Petecio and three other boxers in the Olympics: Eumir Marcial, Irish Magno, and Carlo Paalam.

"Wag nilang isipin na nasa Olympics sila kasi mabigat 'yon. Isipin nila nasa Pilipinas lang sila. 'Pag ganon, bababa 'yung pressure e," he said.

("They should not think that they are in the Olympics. Just imagine that they're just fighting in some small competitions here in the Philippines.")

Petecio is set to vie for a finals slot when she locks horns with Irma Testa of Italy on Saturday, July 31, at 12:39 p.m.

—MGP, GMA News