Tokyo Olympics

Carlo Paalam outlasts two-time Olympian, reaches round of 16

Beatrice Go

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Carlo Paalam outlasts two-time Olympian, reaches round of 16

YOUTH. Carlo Paalam debuts strong in the Tokyo Games.

Ueslei Marcelino/REUTERS

Carlo Paalam, the youngest boxer in the delegation, wins his first bout in his Olympic debut

Carlo Paalam overcame a veteran to win his first bout in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics boxing tournament’s men’s flyweight event on Monday, July 26 at the Kokugikan Arena.

Paalam claimed a 4-1 split decision win, 30-27, 29-28, 28-29, 30-27, 29-28, over Ireland’s Brendan Irvine, a two-time Olympian, in the round of 32.

The 22-year-old Filipino progressed to the round of 16, where he’ll face Algeria’s Mohamed Flissi, a three-time Olympian, on Saturday, July 31 at 10:48 am, Philippine time.

The Cagayan de Oro native surprised the taller Irvine with aggressive and speedy punches, winning the favor of all five judges, 10-9, in the opening round.

Paalam continued to cause problems for Irvine in the second round as the Filipino managed to bounce back immediately to counter whenever the Irish would land successful punches.

Though looking gassed in the third round, Paalam survived the third frame, banking on his right jabs that booted Irvine out of the Olympics’ opening round again.

Paalam joins fellow Filipino boxers Nesthy Petecio and Irish Magno in the next round as they both advanced to the round of 16 in the women’s featherweight and women’s flyweight classes, respectively.

At 19 years old, Paalam won a breakthrough medal in a major competition by copping a 2018 Asian Games bronze, and followed it up with a gold in the 2019 SEA Games in front of the home crowd. – Rappler.com

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Beatrice Go

More commonly known as Bee, Beatrice Go is a multimedia sports reporter for Rappler, who covers Philippine sports governance, national teams, football, and the UAAP. Stay tuned for her news and features on Philippine sports and videos like the Rappler Athlete’s Corner and Rappler Sports Timeout.