Filipino flyweight boxer Carlo Paalam has settled for the silver medal after bowing to Great Britain’s Galal Yafai, 4-1 split decision, in their gold medal match at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo Olympics, August 7.
Paalam, a former garbage picker in Cagayan De Oro City before he was scouted as a boxer, redeemed himself in the third round after suffering a one-two punch knockdown in the first-round. However, Yafai already had the upper hand when Paalam rallied.
Cheered by Filipino journalists at the Olympics despite the silver finish, Paalam admitted losing to a superior rival in Yafai, whose two brothers have been lording in the past Olympics boxing events.
Philippines has registered its best Olympic outing with one gold, two silvers, and one bronze.
Paalam’s silver has been the fourth for the Philippines in Olympic boxing. Previous other silver medalists include Anthony Villanueva (1964, Tokyo), Mansueto Velasco Jr. (1996, Atlanta), and recently, Nesthy Petecio.
The lone gold medal by weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz was achieved after a 97-year drought. (Villamor Visaya Jr.)
