Jay Brian Baricuatro pushed the Philippine boxing team to another milestone after securing a decisive quarterfinal victory in the men’s 48kg division on Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Chulalongkorn University Sports Center in Bangkok. His sharp combinations and consistent power punching overwhelmed Vietnam’s Linh Punh Nguyen, giving him a clean 5-0 win and a guaranteed bronze medal.

Baricuatro’s entry into the semifinals made him the eighth Filipino boxer assured of a podium finish. He joins Ofelia Magno, who earlier advanced to the semis with an equally composed performance in her bracket.

Medal haul builds momentum for PH boxing

With Baricuatro and Magno now in the medal rounds, they join six other Filipino boxers who secured automatic semifinal slots after drawing byes. The group includes Hergie Bacyadan, Riza Pasuit, Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas, Eumir Marcial, and Weljon Mindoro. Their early advancement puts the Philippines in position for one of its strongest SEA Games boxing campaigns.

ABAP secretary general Marcus Manalo stressed that despite the guaranteed medals, the team is targeting gold. He reiterated that podium finishes earned solely from draws are not the standard the athletes aim for. He emphasized their goal of fighting their way to higher placements.

More boxers seek semifinal spots as campaign heats up

Three other Filipino boxers — Mark Ashley Fajardo, Junmilardo Ogayre, and Flint Jara — remain in contention for semifinal berths as they prepare for crucial quarterfinal assignments.

Claudine Veloso, meanwhile, absorbed a tough 5-0 loss to Vietnam’s Vo Ti Kim Anh in the women’s 54kg class. The defeat halted her SEA Games debut despite her strong effort.

Bacyadan returns to action first among the semifinalists as she squares off with Thailand’s defending champion Manikon Baison in the women’s 70kg bracket. A win would secure at least a silver medal and strengthen the team’s momentum.