Bacyadan finds top-seeded opponent too classy, suffers early exit in Paris

Hergie Bacyadan failed to make an impression in her 2024 Paris Olympic debut after losing to top seed Li Qian of China via unanimous decision in the round of 16 of the women’s 75kg class at the North Paris Arena on Wednesday, July 31.

The 29-year-old pug put up a gallant effort but still found her three-time Olympian opponent just too classy and experienced, kissing her medal campaign goodbye.

The Pride of Kalinga struggled against the length of Li, who worked on her slick jabs and combination that kept the Filipina ineffective and fighting at a distance for most parts of the bout.

Bacyadan tried her best to close the gap and press the fight on Li but the Chinese were simply precise in landing punches. 

Bacyadan occasionally landed some big hits late in the second and third rounds but it was not enough to convince the five judges, who all scored the fight 30-27 in favor of the Chinese, a Tokyo Olympics silver medalist.

She is now the second Filipino boxer to bomb out of the competition, following the early exit of Eumir Marcial early in the day.