2025 SEA Games: PH boxers still eye gold even with 8 medals assured

Gold remains the goal for Philippine boxers despite already being assured of eight medals in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.

Hergie Bacyadan, Riza Pasuit, Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas, Eumir Marcial, and Weljon Mindoro are all guaranteed at least a bronze after drawing first-round byes and earning outright semifinal berths.

Jay Brian Baricuatro joined them on Thursday after scoring a 5–0 victory over Linh Punh Nguyen in the men’s 48-kg quarterfinals.

Ofelia Magno also advanced to the semifinals after defeating Myanmar’s Aye Nyein Htoo, 4–1, in the women’s 48-kg quarterfinals last Wednesday.

“May [eight] na tayo na assured bronze. Of course, you want a better color ‘di ba?,” said Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines secretary general Marcus Manalo.

“Hindi naman okay na based on the draw lang ‘yung medal. Obviously, we'll take that but their job is to get to the podium even higher,” he added.

Still vying for semifinal berths are Mark Ashley Fajardo, Junmilardo Ogayre, and Flint Jara.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News