By JOEL C. ESCOL, Managing Editor
In a gripping quarterfinal match at the North Paris Arena on Saturday evening (Manila time), Carlo Paalam’s quest for a medal in the men’s 57-kilogram boxing division was thwarted by a narrow split decision loss to Australia’s Charlie Senior. The decision marked a significant blow for the Filipino boxer, who was edged out despite a valiant effort to close the gap in the third round.
Paalam, a standout athlete from Bukidnon, demonstrated aggressive and determined boxing throughout the match. However, his late-round surge was not enough to sway the judges. The contest ended with three judges scoring the bout in favor of Senior with scores of 30-27 and 29-28, while the remaining two judges favored Paalam with scores of 30-27 and 29-28.
This loss marks Paalam’s exit from the competition and ends his bid for a second consecutive Olympic medal. The 2021 Tokyo Games silver medalist’s hopes of adding a gold to his collection were dashed as he was unable to secure a win in the critical third round, which he lost 2-3.
Paalam’s defeat means that he becomes the third Filipino boxer to be eliminated in these Games. Earlier, Eumir Marcial’s campaign ended in the Round of 16 of the men’s 80-kilogram division following a loss to Turabek Khabibullaev of Uzbekistan. Additionally, Hergie Bacyadan was knocked out in the Last 16 of the women’s 75-kilogram division by China’s Li Qian.
Despite Paalam’s exit, there is still hope for Filipino boxing enthusiasts, with Aira Villegas and Tokyo Games silver medalist Nesthy Petecio remaining in contention. Villegas is competing in the women’s 50-kilogram division, while Petecio is in the women’s 57-kilogram category, the same weight class where Paalam was eliminated. Both athletes have the potential to secure medals and boost the Philippines’ tally at the Paris Olympics.
The Philippines’ quest for a second gold medal in Paris follows gymnast Carlos Yulo’s impressive victory in the men’s floor exercise final. As the Olympic boxing tournaments continue, fans are keeping their fingers crossed for Villegas and Petecio to carry the torch and bring home more glory for the nation.
