Carlo Paalam is one win away from Asian Games gold after defeating Kazakhstan’s reigning world champion Makhmud Sabyrkhan via split decision, 3-2, in the men’s 55-kilogram boxing semifinals at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Paalam started aggressively, connecting with clean punches in the opening round before sending Sabyrkhan to the canvas 42 seconds into the second round.
The Filipino continued to dictate the pace, landing another solid right straight in the closing seconds of the round.
Despite being deducted a point in the final round, Paalam remained composed and managed to do enough to earn the judges’ nod for the victory.
Sabyrkhan, the reigning 2025 world champion, is a familiar opponent for Paalam.
The two previously met in the 2022 Asian Elite Boxing Championships final, where Paalam also prevailed via split decision.
With the victory, Paalam becomes the lone Filipino boxer left in the competition and is guaranteed at least a silver medal.
He will face Japan’s Rui Yamaguchi in Friday’s gold medal bout.
A win would give Paalam his first Asian Games gold medal and end the Philippines’ 16-year wait for a boxing gold at the continental Games.
(Photo Courtesy: POC – Philippine Olympic Committee – Olympic.PH)
