Via ABS-CBN News, Filipino boxer Carlo Paalam in action against Aldoms Suguro of Indonesia during the 54kg final match of the 2023 Southeast Asian Games held at Chroy Changvar Convention Center in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on May 14, 2023. PSC-POC Media Pool/File photo.
Carlo Paalam, the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, is set to clash with a formidable opponent in his quarterfinal bout at the 19th Asian Games. Paalam’s next challenge is none other than the reigning world champion, Abdumalik Khalokov of Uzbekistan, at the Hangzhou gymnasium on Tuesday, with the match scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
In the round-of-16, Paalam secured a victory over Uulu Munarbek Seiitbek of Kyrgyzstan, claiming a 4-1 split decision win. Seiitbek, a bronze medalist in the previous world championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, posed a formidable challenge for Paalam.
Now, Paalam faces an even tougher test against Khalokov, the gold medalist, with the aspiration to join his compatriot Eumir Marcial in the semifinals. Marcial showcased resilience in his recent bout, recovering from a standing eight-count in the first round to knock out Thailand’s Weerapon Jongjoho in the second round, securing a medal in the Asian Games.
Acknowledging the high level of competition in the men’s 57kg weight class, Paalam, at 25 years old, expressed the difficulty of the task ahead. Previously a silver medalist in the men’s 52kg at the Tokyo Olympics, Paalam is fighting in a new weight class.
Despite the daunting challenge, head coach Ronald Chavez is confident in Paalam’s capabilities, stating, “Kaya ni Carlo talunin ‘yan” (Carlo can defeat him).
If Paalam advances to the semifinals, he will secure at least a bronze medal in the Asian Games. However, the ultimate goal is to secure a place in the Olympic Games in Paris next year, with only the two finalists in each weight category earning the coveted Olympic ticket.
