The Philippines’ boxing campaign at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games surged forward as Jay Bryan Baricuatro and Flint Jara stormed into their respective gold medal bouts, guaranteeing the country at least two silvers—and setting the stage for a shot at the top of the podium against host Thailand.

Baricuatro carved his name in history first, becoming the first Filipino boxer to reach the gold medal round of the tournament.

Competing in the men’s 48-kilogram division, Baricuatro wasted little time in the semifinals, overwhelming Timor-Leste’s Antonio de Silva Nicolau at the Chulalongkorn University Sports Center.

His relentless pressure and clean combinations forced the referee to stop the contest in the opening round, sealing a decisive RSC (Referee Stops Contest) victory.

The dominant performance underscored Baricuatro’s sharp preparation and composure, as he imposed his rhythm early and never allowed Nicolau to settle. With the win, the Filipino light flyweight punched his ticket to the finals, where a formidable Thai opponent awaits.

Moments later, Flint Jara ensured that Baricuatro would not be alone in the championship round.

Fighting in the men’s 54-kilogram bantamweight division, Jara showcased grit and control en route to a unanimous decision victory over Singapore’s Jin Yang Ang.

The bout took a decisive turn when Ang sustained a nasty cut near his eye after sustained exchanges, forcing him to withdraw as the referee waved the contest off in the third round. All judges scored the fight in Jara’s favor, reflecting his command inside the ring.

Jara’s semifinal triumph marked him as the second Filipino boxer to advance to the SEA Games boxing finals, continuing the Philippines’ proud tradition in the sport.

With Baricuatro and Jara both advancing, the Philippine boxing team now braces for high-stakes gold medal clashes against Thailand on hostile ground.