Women in a male-dominated field: Manila Bulletin highlights triumphs of female athletes

The 2025 MB Newsmakers of the Year Award underscores the achievements of Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas

By Jemimah Mapa and Jasmine Tuaño

Boxing, a sport traditionally known to be male-dominated, has been rooted in a culture of strength, masculinity, and aggression. For decades, men have been in the spotlight of this sport where they can express their strength and skills, both in the amateur and professional scene. The Philippines has introduced a lot of athletes in this sport where the world witnessed skilled and resilient fighters on the global stage. The country made history after producing world-class fighters such as Gabriel  "Flash" Elorde, legendary Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, Donny “Ahas” Nietes, and Nonito Donaire, which showcased the Filipino fighting spirit, bringing the reputation as a boxing powerhouse.

Today, women are making their names known and dominating the boxing industry, breaking barriers and stereotypes, and proving to the world that women also have their space in the ring. As they continue to show exceptional skills in a male-dominated field, the Philippines is keeping pace with producing the best female fighters.

At the forefront of introducing Filipina boxers to the world is Nesthy Petecio, the first Filipina boxer to win an Olympic medal. Petecio secured her first Olympic win in the women’s featherweight category in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where she earned a silver medal through a unanimous decision. This historic achievement was followed by one more triumph after she won another boxing match at the 2024 Paris Olympics, stealing the bronze medal.

Her journey to the Paris Olympics was the fruit of her hard work and aptitude. After rigorous training in Thailand, Petecio punched her ticket to Paris with a semifinal win over Esra Kahraman Yildiz of Turkey at the First World Qualification Tournament in Italy in March 2024.  From a difficult childhood shaped by poverty, boxing became her flare of hope.

Aira Villegas also captured the world’s attention with her bronze in the women's flyweight boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her story is one of perseverance born from tragedy. After Super Typhoon Yolanda devastated Tacloban in 2013, Villegas vowed to help her family rebuild. Drawing strength from this promise, she poured her earnings from amateur competitions into supporting them while enduring years of anticipation for her breakthrough. Her dream was realized when she earned the Olympic bronze.

The lady boxers’ milestones are not just personal triumphs but victories earned for the country and every athlete Petecio and Villegas have inspired. These stories are a testament to breaking barriers and challenging gender stereotypes, sending a powerful message that female athletes can stand out in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Beyond the glistening badges of their Olympic medals are stories of dedication and excellence that have encouraged women and young athletes to fearlessly pursue their dreams --- a quality that made them deserving of the 2025 MB Newsmakers of the Year Award. This recognition was co-presented by Manila Bulletin and International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) who share the same ambition of supporting and encouraging Filipino athletes in their journey of bringing pride and glory to the country.