Asian Games: Carlo Paalam punches semis ticket, assured of at least bronze medal

Carlo Paalam kept the Philippines’ boxing gold medal hopes alive after beating China’s Zhang Jiamao by split decision in the men’s 55kg quarterfinals at the 2026 Asian Games on Monday.

Paalam is assured of at least a bronze medal after reaching the semifinals and is the country’s lone boxer remaining in contention after the rest of the Philippine delegation bowed out.

The 28-year-old Paalam, a Tokyo Olympics silver medalist and two-time SEA Games gold medalist, was quick to impose his will after sending Zhang to the ropes following a combination at the 43-second mark of Round 1 as he secured the nod of three of the five judges.

Paalam further flaunted his speed and precision in the second round as four judges scored in his favor this time.

Paalam, who is eyeing to secure his first-ever gold medal in the Asian Games after a bronze in the 2018 edition and quarterfinals exit in 2023, then did just enough to keep Zhang at bay in the final round to secure a 3-2 victory.

Paalam will compete in the semifinals set on Wednesday.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News