TOKYO Olympic silver medalist Carlo Paalam and returning Hergie Bacyadan aim to move closer to securing Olympic berths as they face separate opponents in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament for boxing at the Hua Mak Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Paalam, needing three more victories to earn a ticket to the Paris Games, will compete against Armenia’s Artur Bazeyan in the Round of 16 of the men’s 57 kg category on Thursday afternoon, May 30.
Bacyadan, who returned to the national team after several years of absence, will take on Hungarian Veronika Nakota in the Round of 16 of the women’s 75 kg category on Saturday afternoon, June 1.
She pummeled Spain’s Dunia Mas Martinez in their women’s 75-kg clash, 5-0, on Tuesday to advance.
Paalam advanced to the next round following a commanding 5-0 victory over Turkmenistan’s Shukur Ovezov on Tuesday night.
Previously, Paalam had lost to Ovezov during the first World Boxing Qualification in March due to a shoulder injury sustained in the prior match.
This time, Paalam was not to be denied.
Now fully recovered, Paalam dominated the fight, leading all judges’ scorecards 30-27 after three rounds.
“I’m happy I was able to move well,” said Paalam, who injured his right shoulder three months ago after being slammed to the canvas by a Mexican opponent. “I will work even harder for the upcoming matches.”
Rep. Robbie Puno (1st district, Antipolo City), president of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP), praised Paalam’s performance and encouraged him to stay focused on his ultimate goal.
“Congratulations, Carlo Paalam, on your decisive unanimous decision win!” said Rep. Puno. “Your long road to the Olympics continues! We are here supporting you all the way!”
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Paalam, Bacyadan hurdle foes to advance at Olympic boxing qualifying tourney“
