PARIS – The Philippines’ Aira Villegas absorbed a unanimous decision defeat to Turkey’s Buse Naz Cakiroglu in the semifinals of the Olympic women’s 50 kg boxing category on Tuesday at Roland Garros.

Cakiroglu, a Tokyo silver medalist three years ago, displayed her prowess, ensuring her spot in the final, ending Villegas’ dreams to win an Olympic gold right on her first try.

The Philippines, still be Games’ best-performing Southeast Asian country, sits in 23rd place with two golds, all courtesy of gymnast Caloy Yulo, and a bronze medal to as of 6 p.m. (Philippine time).

Nesthy Petecio takes her turn for a Garros gig Wednesday night (early Thursday morning, Philippine time) duking it out with Poland’s Julia Szeremeta in a 57kg semis showdown.

In the other side of the semis are top seed Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yu Ting and Turkey’s Esra Yildiz Kahraman.

Villegas made a valiant effort at the fabled tennis stadium, as the 29-year-old landed significant punches in the third round of their rematch from the 2022 World Championships quarterfinal.

However, her efforts were insufficient to overturn the decision against the formidable Turkish boxer.

The first two rounds were particularly challenging for the 5-foot-2 Villegas.

Cakiroglu, a world silver medalist, dominated early, even forcing a standing eight count on Villegas in the opening frame, creating an insurmountable lead.

Despite the loss, the native of Tacloban City displayed remarkable tenacity and skill. Villegas’ previous best performance in a major tournament was a bronze medal at the 30th Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines in 2019.

Now, Villegas adds an Olympic bronze to her accolades, marking a significant achievement on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

As an Olympic debutant, is still quite the achievement for Villegas to reach this far.

“Hindi naman po ako super disappointed, kasi ginawa ko yung best ko,” Villegas told broadcaster One Sports.

“Magaling talaga (Cakiroglu), aminado ako magaling talaga. Pero for me, nagawa ko yung best ko. Sa lahat ng Pilipino na napuyat, sorry. Nakapag-uwi po ako ng medal, sana proud pa rin kayo sakin,” she added.

The young boxer’s performance in Paris has shown that she belongs among the elite boxers of the world, and with her bronze medal win, she has set the stage for future success.

“Sa younger self ko I know that you are already proud of me,” Villegas said.

“To my future self, mas lalo ka pa magiging proud. Gagawin ko (ang lahat) na yung pangarap ko na bago man lang mag-retire sa boxing, patutugan ako ng national anthem ng bansa natin sa Olympics.”