Philippine Muay Thai fighters reach finals in SEA Games semifinals

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BANGKOK — The Philippines moved closer to multiple gold medals in Muay Thai as Islay Bomogao, Tyron Jamborillo, and LJ Rafael Yasay booked their spots in the finals following convincing semifinal wins at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Tuesday, December 16.

Bomogao advanced in unusual fashion in the women’s -45kg division after Vietnam’s Mai Hoang Khanh forfeited the bout following two competitive rounds at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. Judges had Bomogao ahead, 20-18, heading into the final round before the Vietnamese corner protested the scoring and withdrew from the contest.

The decision sent Bomogao straight into the gold-medal bout scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 17, against Thailand’s Arissara Noon-Eiad, giving the Filipina fighter additional recovery time before the championship match.

Bomogao, Jamborillo, Yasay advance after dominant semifinal wins. [POC Media Pool]

Although caught off guard by the abrupt ending, Bomogao welcomed the result, saying the unexpected finish spared her from further punishment after a physically demanding opening exchange.

Strong wins propel PH trio into title bouts

Jamborillo delivered a composed and authoritative performance in the men’s 45kg division, sweeping all three rounds against Myanmar’s Myat Moe Saw to secure his place in the final. His control and consistency impressed judges throughout the bout.

Yasay followed suit in the men’s division with a hard-earned victory over Thailand’s Chalongchai Minindi, taking the match two rounds to one in a closely contested semifinal that showcased his tactical discipline and resilience under pressure.

With three fighters advancing to the finals, the Philippine Muay Thai team positioned itself for a potential medal surge as the discipline heads into its decisive stage.

Tyron Jamborillo celebrates his semifinal victory in the men’s 45kg division. [POC Media Pool]

Bronze medals add to PH Muay Thai haul

The Philippines also picked up two bronze medals earlier in the competition. Floryvic Montero settled for third place in the women’s 51kg division after bowing to Malaysia’s Nur Amisha Binti Azrilrizal in the semifinals.

Mathew Blane Comicho likewise claimed bronze in the men’s category after suffering a second-round knockout loss to Thailand’s Abdolmalek Thingnamrob.

Adding to the tally, Bomogao and Phillip Delarmino also secured bronze medals in the female and male senior Wai Kru events earlier in the day, further boosting Team Philippines’ overall Muay Thai medal count at the Games.