Carlo Paalam saves PH’s boxing campaign in Asian Games, earns sure medal

CELEBRATION. Boxer Carlo Paalam in action for the Philippines in the 2026 Asian Games.

PSC-POC Media Pool

Carlo Paalam edges his Chinese foe as he advances to the semifinals of the men's 55kg division, preserving the Philippines' medal streak in Asian Games boxing

MANILA, Philippines – Carlo Paalam prevented what would have been a dubious first for Philippine boxing in the Asian Games.

Paalam assured himself of a medal after earning his place in the semifinals of the men’s 55kg division with a 3-2 win over China’s Zhang Jiamao at the Nishio Gymnasium in Japan on Monday, September 28.

The Olympic silver medalist won by scores of 29-28, 29-28, 29-28, 28-29, 27-30 as he preserved the Philippines’ medal streak in Asian Games boxing.

A loss by Paalam would have marked the first time the Philippines failed to win a boxing medal in the Asian Games since the sport made its debut in the 1954 edition as fellow Olympic silver medalist Nesthy Petecio earlier crashed out in the quarterfinals. 

But Paalam rose to the occasion, earning the nod of three of the five judges in the opening round before delivering a more convincing second-round showing that practically sealed his victory. 

Even as Zhang unanimously won the third round, he failed to erase the lead Paalam built. 

With the victory, Paalam has matched his bronze finish in the 2018 edition in Jakarta, Indonesia, where he competed in the men’s 49kg category.

It does not get easier, though, for the pride of Cagayan de Oro City as he battles reigning world champion Makhmud Sabyrkhan of Kazakhstan in the semifinals on Wednesday, September 30.

Earlier on Monday, Petecio fell short of a breakthrough Asian Games medal as she suffered a 5-0 defeat at the hands of China’s Yang Chengyu in the women’s 60kg class.

Yang controlled the bout from start to finish, earning 30-26 scores from all five judges. 

Other Filipino boxers have also bowed out of contention, with Junmilardo Ogayre (men’s 60kg) losing in the quarterfinals, Riza Pasuit (women’s 54kg) and Norlan Petecio (men’s 70kg) exiting the round of 16, and Aira Villegas (women’s 51kg) getting the boot in the round of 32.

Eumir Marcial, a silver medalist in the 2023 edition, was supposed to see action in this Asian Games but sat out after a mutual decision with the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines. – Rappler.com