It was a double celebration for Pinay boxer Aira Villegas as she moved closer to an Olympic medal after advancing to the quarterfinals of the women’s 50kg division in the 2024 Paris Olympics on her birthday, August 1.

Villegas punched her way toward victory against Algeria’s Roumaysa Boualam via unanimous decision after scoring 30-29-29-29-30 in the Round of 16 of the women's 50kg event.

The 29-year-old boxer showcased mastery with her strong punches and strategic counters eventually gaining five nods from all the judges.

The Filipina secured Round 1 after landing powerful punches. However, the fight tightened in Round 2 as the Algerian contender showed a strong desire to recover. Villegas later regained control in Round 3, reclaiming the rhythm of the match.

Villegas remains in contention for a podium finish, along with fellow Filipino boxers and Tokyo Games silver medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam.

The 2019 Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist will be back in action against France bet Wassila Lkhadiri in the quarterfinal match on August 4 (Manila time).

A victory in the quarterfinals will secure Villegas at least a bronze medal.