NISHIO CITY — Junmilardo Ogayre steadied the Philippine boxing team with a gritty 3-2 split decision over Mongolia’s Gantumur Lundaa on Wednesday, a day after a loss by Paris Olympian Aira Villegas.

Ogayre, 27, advanced to the men’s 60-kilogram next round against Nepal’s Roka Magar after surviving a standing eight-count in the final round at Nishio Gymnasium in Nishio City, 50 kilometers south of Nagoya.

Lundaa pressed from the opening bell, crowding Ogayre and pinning him to the ropes. Ogayre countered with jabs and clean inside shots to take the first two rounds on four of five judges’ cards, building the cushion he needed.

Lundaa continued to come forward in the third and forced the referee to issue a standing eight-count against Ogayre.

The Mongolian took the final round 10-9 on all five cards, but Ogayre held on for Team Philippines that is supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission.

Judges from Guatemala, Bulgaria and Argentina scored for Ogayre, while judges from Uzbekistan and Mauritius scored for Lundaa.

The result moved the Philippine boxing team to 2-1, with Norlan Petecio delivering the team’s first win before Villegas dropped her opener in the women’s 51kg class.

Olympic medalists Nesthy Petecio (women’s 60kg), Carlo Paalam (men’s 55kg), and Riza Pasuit (women’s 54kg) are scheduled to see action in the coming days.