Islay Erika Bomogao and LJ Rafael Yasay delivered double gold for the Philippines in muay thai at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok.

Bomogao edged Thailand’s Arissara Noon-Eiad, 29-28, to win the women’s -45kg division, while Yasay knocked out Malaysia’s Insyad Rumijam to capture the men’s -51kg title in bouts held on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

The victories strengthened the Philippines’ medal push in combat sports and came against tough opposition, including athletes from the host nation.

Bomogao denies Thai crowd favorite

The 25-year-old Bomogao kept her composure against a highly regarded Thai opponent, trading cleanly and finishing strong to earn the judges’ nod in a tightly contested final.

She said beating a home-country superstar made the gold especially meaningful and described the win as a perfect way to close her competitive year.

The result marked Bomogao’s second SEA Games gold after her triumph in the form event in 2022 and extended her run of success against Thai fighters following a ONE Championship victory last month.

Yasay seals gold with stoppage

Yasay produced a decisive finish, stopping Rumijam in the second round with a crushing kick to the midsection that ended the contest.

The 22-year-old said he read his opponent early, absorbed the initial pressure, and committed fully to the attack that led to the knockout.

The Philippine muay thai team finished the day with two gold medals and one silver. Tyron Jamborillo settled for silver in the men’s 45kg after suffering a knockout loss to Thailand’s Krittanu Saladkaew earlier in the session.