MANILA, Philippines – Carlo Paalam ended his Olympic journey with a silver medal for the Philippines on Saturday, August 7.
The Bukidnon-born Paalam fought against Great Britain’s Galal Yafai in the men’s flyweight final at the Tokyo Olympics. Paalam lost via a split decision, 4-1 in a thrilling bout that had many Filipinos hoping for another gold medal. Prior to the final fight, sports analysts were anticipating Paalam's victory based on his skills and performance.
"Paalam is the dark horse of the flyweight division," said fight analyst Nissi Icasiano.
"Malaki ang tsansa si Carlo Paalam na makapag-uwi ng gintong medalya," he added.
Veteran fight commentator Atty. Ed Tolentino also pointed how Paalam's triumph against Olympic champion Shakhobidin Zoirov of Uzbekistan was a strong proof of his big chance at clinching the gold.
"Malaking bagay para sa akin 'yung kay Zoirov, 'yung defending gold medalist. Malaking hadlang kasi 'yun sa kanyang gold medal path."
The Bukidnon-born Paalam fought against Great Britain’s Galal Yafai in the men’s flyweight final at the Tokyo Olympics. Paalam lost via a split decision, 4-1 in a thrilling bout that had many Filipinos hoping for another gold medal. Prior to the final fight, sports analysts were anticipating Paalam's victory based on his skills and performance.
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| Photo Credit: Twitter/Paolo del Rosario/ One Sports |
"Paalam is the dark horse of the flyweight division," said fight analyst Nissi Icasiano.
"Malaki ang tsansa si Carlo Paalam na makapag-uwi ng gintong medalya," he added.
Veteran fight commentator Atty. Ed Tolentino also pointed how Paalam's triumph against Olympic champion Shakhobidin Zoirov of Uzbekistan was a strong proof of his big chance at clinching the gold.
"Malaking bagay para sa akin 'yung kay Zoirov, 'yung defending gold medalist. Malaking hadlang kasi 'yun sa kanyang gold medal path."
During the final bout, the Filipino boxer got the nod in the first two rounds until Yasaf caught up with him in the third until the final round.
Despite the loss, Paalam was still showered with messages of support as he settled for an Olympic silver medal.
During the semifinals, Paalam won against Japan's bet Ryomei Tanaka of Japan via a unanimous decision. This secured his spot at the finals and guaranteed him a silver medal.
SEE ALSO: From scavenger to boxer: Carlo Paalam's journey to an Olympic medalist
Despite the loss, Paalam was still showered with messages of support as he settled for an Olympic silver medal.
It's another #Boxing medal for #PHI as Carlo Paalam takes silver in the men's flyweight category!@OlympicPHI pic.twitter.com/8d0W32Loff
— Olympics (@Olympics) August 7, 2021
During the semifinals, Paalam won against Japan's bet Ryomei Tanaka of Japan via a unanimous decision. This secured his spot at the finals and guaranteed him a silver medal.
SEE ALSO: From scavenger to boxer: Carlo Paalam's journey to an Olympic medalist
The former scavenger who used to roam the streets for garbage is now proud to be an Olympic medalist. Paalam's medal joins the Philippines' Tokyo Olympics medal haul with Nesthy Petecio's silver in the women's featherweight event, Eumir Marcial's bronze in the men's middleweight and Hidilyn Diaz's gold medal in women's weightlifting.
— Sally, The Summit Express
— Sally, The Summit Express
