By el Amigo
MANILA — Carlo Paalam has already gone from bronze to silver. Now, he is chasing gold — and a piece of Philippine boxing history.
The 28-year-old Tokyo Olympic silver medalist faces Japan’s hometown bet Rui Yamaguchi in Friday’s men’s 55kg gold-medal bout, with a victory also ending the Philippines’ 16-year Asian Games boxing gold-medal drought.
Paalam secured his spot in the final by beating reigning world champion Makhmud Sabyrkhan of Kazakhstan, 3-2, in a split decision at Nishio Gymnasium.
Yamaguchi, meanwhile, advanced after scoring a unanimous-decision victory over Mongolia’s Bilguunsaikhan Kharkhuu.
“Gawin ko ‘yung best ko. Step by step, gawin ko ‘yung best ko,” Paalam said.
A victory would give Paalam the Asiad gold that has eluded him and end a long wait for Philippine boxing. The last Filipino boxer to win Asian Games gold was Rey Saludar in Guangzhou in 2010.
With only one fight remaining, Paalam can close what could be his final Asian Games campaign by completing the medal set — and possibly restoring Philippine boxing to the top of the Asiad podium.
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