In the sport of boxing where punches echo like thunder and resilience reign supreme, Aira C. Villegas has proven that women are just as capable as men. 

The Tacloban native clinched an Olympic ticket by winning the 1st World Qualification Tournament in the women's 50kg category in Busto Arsizio, Italy, on March 10, 2024.

She faced tough opponents from all over the world. However, her quarterfinal fight against Zlatislava Genadieva Chukanova from Bulgaria displayed her skills and techniques. With every punch she threw, Villegas showcased her expertise in the sport, ultimately winning a unanimous decision and securing her spot in the Olympics.

Her boxing journey

Villegas is a source of pride for the people of Tacloban, having been born and raised in the City of Resilience. Her passion for boxing was ignited at a tender age by her brother's impressive feats and unwavering dedication. This motivated her to follow in his footsteps, leading her to dominate the sport.

In 2010, she began to take boxing seriously after participating in her first formal training at the summer clinic organized by Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez. She continued her training until 2012, when she had the opportunity to join the Leyte Sports Academy, where she fully committed herself to the sport.

In February of this year, Aira won a gold medal in the Boxam Elite Tournament in Spain. Her sports career has been thriving, as she moved up from National Open Boxing of the national team and has represented her country in prestigious boxing events, such as the World Championships, Asian Games, and SEA Games.

Aira's journey was not easy. In 2023, she faced numerous injuries and adversities that could have ended her dreams. However, she persevered like a true champion, drawing strength from her faith, unwavering dedication, and unyielding belief in herself. She persevered through the pain and challenges and ultimately triumphed.

Government’s support

Aira expressed her gratitude to the National Team, the Philippine Sports Commission, the MVP Sports Foundation Inc., the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and the City Government of Tacloban for their unwavering support.

She acknowledged that their support was fundamental to her success. They provided everything from training facilities to financial assistance, uniforms, and other necessities, allowing her to focus solely on her boxing.

Moving forward

Despite her remarkable achievements, Aira remains humble and grounded, emphasizing the importance of discipline, faith, and self-belief. "The secret to success lies in prayer, self-discipline, and trust in oneself and one's coaches," she asserts.

She continued her rigorous training regimen in preparation for the Olympics. She hoped to inspire other women to pursue their passions fearlessly. "Boxing is not just for men. If you love what you do and have a dream, pursue it despite the struggles," she advises.

In a society where gender stereotypes often determine the direction of one's life, Villegas shines as a symbol of hope, breaking through barriers and demonstrating that with determination and persistence, anything is achievable. With her unyielding spirit, she is not just a boxer; she represents empowerment and resilience for women worldwide. (AAC, PIA Leyte)