By Paalam Punches Way Through Philippines’ 4th Historic Olympic Medal
Boxer Carlo Paalam has joined the lineup of athletes who have secured the Philippines a multi-medal finish as he defeats the reigning Olympic champion in the quarterfinals bout of the men’s flyweight subdivision on Tuesday.
Paalam won via split decision against Uzbekistan fighter Shakhobidin Zoirov with four judges in favor of him, 18-20, and one judge giving a tie at 19-19. the fight was cut short by the referee 1 minute and 16 seconds into the second round after a cut above the left eye was sustained by Zoirov.
Paalam’s victory assures him of at least a bronze medal and gives him the ticket to move up the semifinals, dueling against Japan’s Ryomei Tanaka.
With four sure medals to take home, this win also marks another historical milestone of the Philippines in the Olympics, breaking the last multi-medal finish of the country in 1932, where PH took home three medals.
