Aira Villegas is now a guaranteed Olympic medalist after cementing a split decision victory over French opponent Wassila Lkhadiri in the women’s 50kg division quarterfinals at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Sunday morning (Manila time).

Welcomed with echoes of boos from the French crowd, Villegas didn't seem to falter to showcase her strategic moves inside the boxing ring in hopes of clinching another medal for the Philippines.

Scoring 29-28, 29-28, 27-30, 28-29, 29-28, the Filipina boxer advances to the semis of the competition.

Villegas gained three nods from the judges in the first round where she was able to throw clear punches and exceptional footwork.

Determined to bounce back, the crowd favorite Lkhadiri displayed an excellent defense eventually snatching the second round.

The battle became much tighter in the last two rounds. Pressured to claim the match, Lkhadiri exhibited a sharp left hook that almost derailed Villegas.

Villegas aggressively matched the opponent's punches with combinations of strong uppercuts and counterpunches that secured her triumph.

PH bet emerged victorious after 3 rounds of intense battle. French foe was shocked with the announcement of winner and Villegas fell to her knees while crying.

Villegas will continue her medal contention and will be back in action against Turkey's Buse Naz Cakiroglu in the semifinal round on August 7, Wednesday (Manila time).