Aira Villegas’ birthday wish? A medal for Team Philippines

Team Philippines’ Aira Villegas, red, hugs Algeria’s Roumaysa Boualam after defeated her in their women’s 50kg preliminary boxing match at the Paris Olympics 2024, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/John Locher)

MANILA, Philippines—What better way for Team Philippines boxer Aira Villegas to celebrate her birthday than moving closer to an assured medal in the Paris Olympics 2024.

Fighting in the round 16 of the women’s 50kg on the day of her birthday, Villegas notched a stunning win over second-seeded Roumaysa Boualam of Algeria that secured her passage to the quarterfinals.

Villegas couldn’t quite muster up all her excitement when reporters swarmed her for an interview at North Paris Arena.

Her team even ambushed the interview to greet the Filipino boxer with a birthday cake to celebrate her special day.

But while one wish was fulfilled, Villegas revealed that her ultimate wish is for the Philippines to see its athletes come home after the Olympics with medals in hand.

“My first (wish) was fulfilled but my ultimate wish is we go home with a medal,” said Villegas in Filipino with One Sports.

However, for that to happen, Villegas knows that keeping focus will be of utmost importance especially with a podium finish.

“It’s very important that we’re focused. A lot can happen in a matter of seconds during a fight,” she said.

Against her higher-ranked foe, Villegas left no doubt in the final round, landing clean bows and evading haymakers to convincingly take home the unanimous decision victory.

“My confidence was built with my coaches and their help. It’s a different feeling when they really believe in you. You get stronger.”

She faces hometown bet Wassila Lkhadiri in the quarterfinals on August 4.