By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Talk about second chances.
Carlo Paalam aims to write a different narrative this time after arranging a second-round meeting with a familiar foe in the 2nd World Boxing Qualifications for Paris Olympics in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medalist opened his campaign for a return trip to the Games in style by dominating Alexei Lagkazasvili of Greece via unanimous decision in the men’s 57kg on Friday, May 24.
All five judges scored 30-27 for the 25-year-old Paalam, whose victory set him up a dangerous bout with Turkmenistan’s Shukur Ovezov.
Ovezov, who pummeled Ziyad Ali Majrashi of Saudi Arabia via unanimous decision, was no stranger to Paalam. At the 1st World Qualification Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy last March, the two fighters faced each other in the second round.
But Paalam had to throw in the towel in the 52-second mark of the second round so as not to aggravate a shoulder injury he sustained in an earlier bout against a Mexican foe.
As if given another chance, a rejuvenated Paalam hopes to complete — and win — the match this time in his final shot at returning to the Olympics.
The same holds true for Ovezov, though, as the Turkmen fighter also guns for an Olympic berth after falling short in Italy with a quarterfinal defeat.
Both fighters needed to make it to the Top 3 to secure Paris tickets.
Meanwhile, Rogen Ladon is fighting for a spot in the men’s 51kg at press time against Rafael Lozano Serrano of Spain in the opening round.
Criztian Pitt Laurente is scheduled to clash with Kazakhstan’s Mukhammedsabyr Bazarbay Uulu in the men’s 63.5kg on Sunday, May 26, while Hergie Bacyadan faces Spaniard Dunia Mas Martinez in the women’s 75kg on Monday, 27.
The four Filipino fighters hope to join early Paris qualifiers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas.
