Carlo Paalam after his opening win at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.–JUNE NAVARRO/INQUIRER.net
HANGZHOU, China—In a remarkable display of skill, Carlo Paalam outmaneuvered his taller opponent, Jordan’s Mohammad Jajeh Abu, at the 19th Asian Games. Paalam, the boxing silver medalist from the Tokyo Olympics, secured a unanimous 5-0 victory in the men’s 57kg round of 32 at the Hangzhou Gymnasium.
Paalam, aiming for a return to the Olympics in Paris next year, praised his coaching staff for devising a game plan that helped him overcome the height disadvantage. The winners in each weight division at the Asian Games will earn a spot in the Summer Olympics.
At 25 years old, Paalam achieved Olympic success in Tokyo as a flyweight (51kg) and also won a bronze medal in the previous Asian Games in 2018, held in Indonesia.
Carlo Paalam.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
With the flyweight division not included in the Paris program, Paalam had to compete in a higher weight class that was unfamiliar to him. Anticipating taller opponents with greater reach in his upcoming fights, Paalam emphasized the need to play smart and avoid excessive aggression.
In the first round, Paalam found an opening and delivered a powerful blow to Abu’s midsection. In the second round, he maintained distance but managed to land a precise combination to the head and body. In the final round, Paalam skillfully evaded Abu’s attempts to secure a knockout.
“I have four more fights to go. While winning gold here would be nice, my ultimate goal is the Olympics,” said Paalam.
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