Sourced online by Tracy Cabrera
MANILA, Philippines — The last Filipino boxer standing in the ongoing Asian Games, Olympian Carlo Paalam, vies for the men’s 55-kilogram (kg) boxing gold medal in today’s finals in Nagoya, Japan.
Paalam faces hometown bet Rui Yamaguchi as he aims to end the 16-year gold medal drought of Philippine boxing in the Asiad.
A two-time Olympic medalist, the 28-year-old from Cagayan de Oro will have experience on his side when he exchanges blows with Yamaguchi, Japan’s 22-year-old 2026 Asian Boxing Elite champion.
The match-up will happen at 12:45 p.m. (Manila time) at the Nishio Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture in Nagoya.
The last time a Filipino won a gold medal in the Asian Games boxing competitions was in 2010 when Rey Saludar topped the men’s 52-kg division in Guangzhou, China.
Paalam is known to be a crafty orthodox boxer who surprises his opponents by switching to a southpaw stance. In today’s final bout, he will need to overcome Yamaguchi’s tactical and technical game.
Both fighters are naturally right-handed but use an orthodox stance in their bouts.
Yamaguchi reached the gold medal round after a commanding 5-0 victory over Mongolia’s Bilguunsaikhan Kharhuu.
On the other hand, Paalam booked a finals berth after prevailing over world champion Makhmud Sabyrkhan of Kazakhstan via split decision.
“I trust myself. God knows that, and God is guiding me. All of the pressure is on us right now. I am being very patient, doing my best, and I hope God will be with me, step by step,” the Pinoy hopeful enthused in preparation of his duel with Yamaguchi.
“I am Carlo Palaam, I am the best, and I am number one, representing Cagayan de Oro,” he expressed full confidence.
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