Paalam ekes out QF berth

c/o POC/PSC Media

Tokyo Olympics silver medalist medalist Carlo Paalam made a spectacular return from a year-long injury layoff, successfully advancing to the quarterfinals of the men's 55kg boxing competition at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Fighting at the Nishio Gymnasium, the 2018 Jakarta Asiad bronze medalist showcased his veteran poise to defeat Commonwealth Games silver medalist Jadumani Mandengbam of India via a 3-0 split decision.

Paalam acknowledged the tough challenge posed by his hungry opponent. 

"Mahusay din ang Indian, kapag bago gusto nila matalo ang may pangalan na. Nakisabay na lang ako sa kanya sa huling round," Paalam told POC Media.

Despite his long absence from competitive boxing, Paalam was thrilled with how his body responded to the physical toll of the bout. 

"Sobrang ganda po yung laban namin. Tsaka nag-adjust din po talaga ako sa taas ng ring kanina po kasi yun nga, first time ko lumaban ngayon," he shared in a post-fight interview. 

The grueling matchup served as the perfect ultimate test for his stamina. 

"Thankful po ako sa performance na nilabas ko kasi nahatak yung endurance ko po... kahit pagod po. Parang si Pacquiao lang po eh, na ibubuhos buhay talaga yung boxing po," he proudly added.

While the scorecards reflected a split decision, Paalam emphasized that his only goal is to fight without regrets. 

"Gawin lang namin yung best namin po. Kada laban po at least wala kaming pinagsisihan sa taas ng lona po. Kasi sacrifice namin yung panalo talaga," he explained. 

He credited his successful return to his faith, his supportive teammates, and the steadfast guidance of coaches Ronald Chavez and Elmer Pamisa.

The boxing star also took the opportunity to deliver a heartfelt plea to Filipino fans, asking for their unwavering prayers rather than criticism.

 "Wag po kami i-bash kasi sobrang hirap ng laban dito po... suportahan nyo kami, hindi nyo kami iba-bash kasi pagdala palang ng pangalan namin dito, dala namin Pilipinas," Paalam passionately stated. "Hindi lang apelyido namin, bayan namin dala namin po". 

Paalam will next face Jiamao Zhang of China for a coveted spot in the semifinals. 

Meanwhile, fellow Olympic medalist Nesthy Petecio will open her own campaign against Jordan’s Mays Alrerm Abukhadijah later this afternoon in the women’s 60kg division. She looks to join Paalam and Junmilardo Ogayre in the Last 8.

Before stepping away, Paalam made sure to send a message of encouragement to his teammate: "Para kay ate Nes, goodluck sayo ate, gawin mo yung best mo, lahat kami nakasuporta sayo... para sa bayan po," he said.