Nesthy Petecio set to return to training with LA 2028 in mind

Two-time Olympic medalist Nesthy Petecio in attendance at the PVL All-Filipino Conference at Araneta Coliseum.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Two-time Olympic boxer Nesthy Petecio said she is looking forward to next year’s World Championship and Southeast Asian Games in Thailand as part of her road to competing again in the Olympics.

After a bronze medal finish in the Paris Olympics, Petecio has been enjoying her break with her family and partner but her mind is not far off from the task of qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028.

“So far, I’m on vacation until December. By next year, I’ll start preparing for the World Championships and the SEA Games in January,” said Petecio, who dropped by during the Creamline-Choco Mucho duel in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday night.

READ: Nesthy Petecio relishes PVL experience with long-time partner

But right after Christmas, the 32-year-old will go back to work for the World Championship in England from September 4-14 before her bid for a third SEA Games gold in November.

Petecio confirmed that she would remain in her featherweight class, where she has achieved significant success in international competitions.

“I’ll stay at 57 kilograms, in featherweight. People joke about me moving down to 54, but it might drain me too much. I could do it, but it might affect my strength and speed,” she explained. “I’ve already proven myself in that weight class in two Olympics, so I’ll stay there.”

The status of boxing for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 is still up in the air. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will decide next year if it will still include the sport after the International Boxing Association (IBA)’s recognition was stripped over its failure to implement reforms on governance and finance.

READ: With millions of incentives, Nesthy Petecio secures family’s future first

Petecio is hopeful to compete in 2028 and win an elusive gold — the only missing medal in her Olympic career.

“Our NSA, Sec Gen Marcus (Manalo), told us that nothing is certain yet, so we’re often surprised by the updates coming from others. But of course, I’m really praying for it to push through,” Petecio said. “I felt a bit short in Paris, and I really want to complete the set of Olympic medals. I want to give it one more shot in LA.”

Petecio, who was recently promoted Petty Officer First Class in the Philippine Coast Guard, is just grateful for another banner year that poured more blessings on her family.

“I said before, the things I asked for weren’t given by the Lord. But what He gave me, things I didn’t even ask for, are so much more than what I wished for. That’s how blessed I am right now, especially with my family and siblings, being able to provide what they want for themselves and for our parents,” said Petecio.

“I only realized now that even if the Lord doesn’t give directly what my siblings ask for, He channels those blessings through me to reach them.”