Irish Magno’s campaign for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics came to an end as Thailand’s Jutamas Jitpong defeated her via a unanimous decision in the women’s flyweight (48-51 kg) division held at the Kokugikan Arena on Thursday, July 29.
The match was scored 30-27 in favor of Jitpong by four judges, while the other judge scored it 29-28.
The fight was a rematch of Magno’s 4-1 decision victory over Jitpong in the semifinals of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
Despite riding the high of a unanimous decision victory over Christine Ongare of Kenya in the Round of 32 last Sunday, July 25, Magno was unable to duplicate the win against Thai opponent.
In the opening round, Jitpong was simply quicker to the punch, overpowering Magno from the start.
Magno hit her groove in the second round, striking some startling blows, but Jitpong found angles for quick scoring counters, allowing her to sweep the judges’ score cards once more.
Magno was besieged in the third and needed a powerful and spectacular performance—perhaps a knockdown or a knockout—to turn the tables.
In the third round, though, Jitpong had too much control of the play, dictating the pace. Magno’s lack of urgency in pressuring for a comeback didn’t help her chances.
“I’m sad with the results because I prepared hard for this. But everybody else also prepared because this is the Olympics,” said Magno, who is the first Filipino boxer to be eliminated from medal contention in the Tokyo Olympics.
“Until we win that gold, we won’t stop,” added Magno.
Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Eumir Marcial are still in contention.