Paris Olympics bronze medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas are slowly getting back into tournament shape as they gear up for the tough grind ahead.
Petecio told DAILY TRIBUNE that she is focusing on building her muscles as she is eyeing a solid finish in the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, England in September and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.
The two-time Olympic medalist is also looking forward to the start of sparring sessions in March in Baguio City.
“I will focus on basic training again, strengthening and returning our muscles,” Petecio said, stressing that she might end up doing sparring with Japanese fighters.
“I’m so happy to know that other countries are also looking at us. They’re going to our place. I’m so proud that they see that our performance is good.”
Petecio and Villegas were given the President’s Award last week at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night at the Manila Hotel for their performances in the Paris Summer Games.
For Villegas, she wants to hone her technique after their long break last year.
“Actually, I haven’t reviewed all of my games because I’m not the type of person who reviews my games right away,” Villegas said.
“I want to improve on power and combination. I still need to work on that.”