Thailand camp, tuneup for PH pugs

Second-placed Philippines’ Nesthy Petecio celebrates after the women’s feather (54-57kg) boxing final bout against Japan’s Sena Irie during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo on August 3, 2021. (Photo by Luis ROBAYO / POOL / AFP)

Olympic silver medalist Nesthy Petecio is readying herself for a string of tournaments to get back into shape for 2024 Paris Olympics qualifying.

The reigning Southeast Asian (SEA) Games featherweight champion will banner a seven-strong women’s squad in a week-long training camp in Thailand beginning on Wednesday where the best female boxers in Asia are anticipated to show up.

Shortly after the camp, Petecio will take part in the Thailand Open from April 1-10 on the beach resort town of Phuket, her first major meet since the Tokyo Olympics last year.

“Right now, I’m focusing on my conditioning. My coaches are slowly helping me with it. We’re back to basics,’’ said Petecio in Filipino.

Joining the 29-year-old Petecio in the camp and in the Thailand Open are former world champion Josie Gabuco (light flyweight), Tokyo Olympian Irish Magno and Aira Villegas (flyweight), Riza Pasuit (featherweight), Maricel dela Torre (lightweight) and Hergie Bacyadan (middleweight).

“It (Thailand Open) serves as a tuneup for the team which is preparing for the SEA Games,’’ said national women’s boxing team head coach Reynaldo Galido in Filipino.

“The training camp will also measure the ability of our boxers as they face some of the strongest opponents in Asia,’’ added Galido, who will be assisted by Mitchell Martinez and Jogen Ladon in the camp. INQ