MANILA, Philippines — Filipino pugilist Aaron Jude Bado won the bronze medal during the 2024 World Boxing Cup in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia but this came at a cost.

Despite being ahead in the first round of the quarterfinals of the men's 51kg division against Italy's Allesio Camialo on Tuesday, Bado suffered an injury above his right eye because of a headbutt.

As a result, this bout was called off and Bado was still declared the victor via split decision, but doctors in Mongolia deemed the Iligan City boxer unfit to fight.

"Sayang po at hindi ko nakuha yung inaaasam ko na makapasok sa finals dahil sa natamo ko na sugat mula sa kalaban," (It's a shame I was not able to get a place in the finals because of the injury I got from my opponent.) Bado said.

The Filipino said he wanted to keep on fighting but his opponent was going for it and headbutted him.

"Akala ko nga talo ako dahil inihinto ng referee; mabuti na lang at win on points ang naging decision, at alam ko na lamang ako sa mga patama ko kanya," (I thought I lost because the referee stopped the game, it's a good thing taht I won on points and I knew I had more punches against him.) he said.

Former Olympic medalist and coach Roel Velasco said that the injury was a wasted opportunity for Bado.

"Nagkataon lang talaga sa hindi inaasahang pangyayari eh naputukan siya sa kanang kilay dahil sa pagkakauntog sa ulo ng kalaban," (These things happen, especially during fights like this, he got injured in the eyebrow because of a clash with his opponent's head.) Velasco said. ARIC JOHN SY CUA