In preparation for the major tournaments down the road, two-time Olympic medalist Nesthy Petecio can’t wait to return to Baguio City to join the rest of the national boxing team for their training.

Petecio told DAILY TRIBUNE she has been working out the best she can due to commitments in Metro Manila.

Petecio and boxer Aira Villegas were recently honored as Athletes of the Year in the All-Women Sports Awards at the Century Park Hotel Grand Ballroom over the weekend, thanks to their bronze medal finishes in the Paris Summer Games.

The pride of Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur is thankful that the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines allowed her to halt her training so long as she stays fit.

My coaches and NSA (national sports association) knew we would get more awards. hey told us not to neglect our training. If we can train, we’ll do it,” Petecio said.

“We’ll go back in April. Hopefully, I won’t have any more engagements.”

Petecio has two major competitions coming up in 2025.

First, there is the World Boxing Championships which will take place from 4 — 14 September in Liverpool, England and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand from 9 to 20 December.

“I want to improve at everything from footwork, speed and timing. I want to do my best to get to my peak condition,” Petecio said.

“I’ll do some recovery when we get back in April and I’ll develop what I can develop,” she added.