Nesthy Petecio one win away from Tokyo Olympics

FILE – Philippines’ Nesthy Petecio celebrates after defeating Myanmar’s Oo Nwe Ni to claim the gold medal during the 30th South East Asian Games 2019 Women’s Featherweight (57 kg). INQUIRER PHOTO/ Sherwin Vardeleon

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino boxer Nesthy Petecio took a big step in fulfilling her Olympic dream.

Petecio showed why she’s a world champion after whipping Krismi Langkapurayalage of Sri Lanka, 5-0, in the featherweight class Wednesday in the Asia-Oceania Olympic boxing qualifiers in Amman, Jordan.

Seeded No. 1 in the tournament, Petecio only needs to beat Sena Irie of Japan on Sunday for a semifinals slot and a trip to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The 27-year-old Petecio made it 2-0 for the Philippine contingent so far in the competitions after Ian Clark Bautista also won on Tuesday.

Bautista edged Japan’s Hayato Tsutsumi by split decision and will fight Thailand’s Chatchai Butdee on Friday.

Five other Filipino boxers, including top seed Eumir Felix Marcial, are vying for Olympic slots.