When people talk about the Greatest Fights of Nesthy Petecio, they don’t just remember the wins — they remember the story behind them. From her roots in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur to making history at the Olympics, Petecio carried the pride of the Philippines on her shoulders. She has shown that women, too, can bring global recognition to Philippine boxing.
Table of Contents
Why the Greatest Fights of Nesthy Petecio Matter:
- First Filipina to win an Olympic silver medal in boxing (Tokyo 2020).
- 2019 World Champion, breaking a long drought for the Philippines.
- Known for her counterpunching and defensive mastery.
- A symbol of women’s empowerment in Philippine sports.
1. Petecio vs. Lin Yu-Ting
2019 AIBA World Championships (Round of 32)

This bout is considered one of the Greatest Fights of Nesthy Petecio because it was a massive upset. Facing the reigning champion Lin Yu-Ting, who had both height and reach advantage, Petecio relied on her patience and precision.
Her ability to frustrate Lin with clean counters and sharp defense stunned the crowd and set the stage for her world championship run.
Why This Was One of the Greatest Fights of Nesthy Petecio:
- Opponent: Lin Yu-Ting (Chinese Taipei, world champion).
- Challenge: Significant size disadvantage.
- Tactics: Timed counters, ring IQ, patience.
- Result: Upset victory that shocked the world.
2. Petecio vs. Liudmila Vorontsova
2019 AIBA World Championship Final

The final bout of the 2019 World Championships is remembered as one of the Greatest Fights of Nesthy Petecio because it crowned her as World Champion. Against Russia’s Liudmila Vorontsova, and in front of a hostile pro-Russian crowd, Petecio delivered a tactical masterclass.
She displayed perfect timing, blending offense with defense, and emerged with a unanimous decision.
Why This Was One of the Greatest Fights of Nesthy Petecio:
- Opponent: Liudmila Vorontsova (Russia).
- Venue Pressure: Hostile crowd in favor of opponent.
- Tactics: Mix of defensive mastery and precision counters.
- Result: Unanimous win, crowned World Champion.
3. Petecio vs. Lin Yu-Ting
Tokyo 2020 Olympics (Round of 16)
Another entry in the Greatest Fights of Nesthy Petecio came at the Olympics when she once again faced Lin Yu-Ting. With global eyes watching, Petecio repeated her brilliance by neutralizing Lin’s reach and landing decisive combinations.
This fight proved her 2019 victory was no fluke — she had truly mastered her rival.
Why This Was One of the Greatest Fights of Nesthy Petecio:
- Stage: Olympic Games, the highest platform in sports.
- Rivalry: Second victory over Lin Yu-Ting.
- Tactics: Movement, defense, clean counters.
- Result: Victory advanced her to the quarterfinals.
4. Petecio vs. Irma Testa
Tokyo 2020 Olympics (Semifinal)

The semifinal against Italy’s Irma Testa is universally celebrated as one of the Greatest Fights of Nesthy Petecio because it guaranteed her a place in history.
Despite facing a taller and technically skilled opponent, Petecio pushed forward, landing meaningful punches at close range. Her victory secured the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic medal in women’s boxing.
Why This Was One of Fights of Nesthy Petecio:
- Opponent: Irma Testa (Italy, top seed).
- Significance: Guaranteed Olympic medal.
- Tactics: Aggressive pressure, hooks, cutting distance.
- Result: Split decision win, advanced to the final.
5. Petecio vs. Sena Irie – Tokyo 2020 Olympics (Final)

The Olympic final against Japan’s Sena Irie may not have ended in victory, but it still stands among the Greatest Fights of Nesthy Petecio.
Her courage and resilience, even against Irie’s relentless punching, symbolized the spirit of Filipino boxing. Though she lost the decision, she made history by becoming the first Filipina Olympic silver medalist in boxing.
Why This Was One of the Greatest Fights of Nesthy Petecio:
- Opponent: Sena Irie (Japan).
- Challenge: High-volume pressure punching.
- Tactics: Counters, defensive adjustments.
- Result: Loss by decision; secured Olympic silver.
Legacy of the Greatest Fights of Nesthy Petecio
Looking at these moments, the Greatest Fights of Nesthy Petecio highlight her as a pioneer of women’s boxing. Each fight tested not only her skill but her determination and national pride.
Key Legacy Takeaways from the Greatest Fights of Nesthy Petecio:
- Elevated women’s boxing in the Philippines.
- Inspired countless young athletes to chase their dreams.
- Proved that strategy can overcome size disadvantages.
- Cemented her place as a true sports icon.
Conclusion – Why the Greatest Fights of Nesthy Petecio Will Be Remembered
The Greatest Fights of Nesthy Petecio are more than just bouts inside the ring — they are stories of perseverance, national pride, and inspiration. From stunning world champions to making history at the Olympics, Petecio showed what it means to fight with heart.
For the Philippines, her fights will forever be remembered as milestones in sports history, ensuring her legacy as a champion beyond the ring.
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FAQs
1.What are the Greatest Fights of Nesthy Petecio?
They include her wins over Lin Yu-Ting (2019, 2020 Olympics), Liudmila Vorontsova (2019 Final), Irma Testa (2020 Semis), and her Olympic silver bout vs. Sena Irie.
2.Why are the Greatest Fights of Nesthy Petecio important?
They made her a World Champion and the first Filipina Olympic silver medalist, inspiring women’s boxing in the Philippines.
3.Where can I watch the Greatest Fights of Nesthy Petecio?
Highlights are available on Olympic channels, AIBA archives, and major sports media.