By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Carlo Paalam found his way back to the Olympics after outclassing Sachin Siwach of India in the men’s 57kg semifinal at the 2nd World Boxing Qualification for Paris Games on Saturday night, June 1, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Displaying his wide experience against a taller rival, Paalam charged after Sachin with a flurry of punches to score a unanimous decision victory and became the 14th Filipino qualifier to the Games.
Two judges scored 30-27 while the remaining three gave 29-28 in favor of Paalam, who carried the fight methodically throughout the three-round affair.
The 25-year-old Paalam now has a chance to turn his men’s 52kg silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo edition into gold in the quadrennial event slated in July, but in a heavier weight class.
He will also join early Filipino qualifiers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas.
Other Filipino qualifiers to Paris are pole vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnasts Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, Levi Ruivivar and Emma Malabuyo, weightlifters John Febuar Ceniza, Vanessa Sarno and Elreen Ando, rower Joanie Delgaco, and fencer Samantha Catantan.
Earlier, Hergie Bacyadan moved one win away from earning an Olympic berth after surviving Veronika Nakota of Hungary in the women’s 75kg.
