Aira Villegas booked her ticket to the semi-finals assured of at least a bronze medal

In an exhilarating quarterfinal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Filipino boxer Aira Villegas clinched a narrow victory over France’s Wassila Lkhadiri, securing her place in the semifinals of the women’s 50kg boxing event. This crucial win ensures Villegas at least a bronze medal, marking a significant achievement in her Olympic campaign.

The bout, held at the North Paris Arena, was a tense and closely contested affair. Villegas showcased her exceptional skill and determination, managing to outmaneuver Lkhadiri despite the latter’s home advantage. The fight went the distance, with Villegas emerging victorious by a split decision, reflecting the intense and evenly matched nature of the contest.

This victory is the latest in a series of impressive performances by Villegas at the Paris Games. She began her Olympic journey with a unanimous decision win over Morocco’s Yasmine Mouttaki in the Round of 32, followed by another unanimous decision triumph against Algeria’s Roumaysa Boualam in the Round of 16. These wins paved the way for her quarterfinal face-off with Lkhadiri.

Villegas’ semifinal opponent will be Turkey’s Buse Naz Cakiroglu, a formidable fighter who has also displayed remarkable prowess in the ring. The upcoming match is scheduled for August 7, 2024, and promises to be a thrilling encounter as both athletes vie for a spot in the final and a chance at the gold medal.