Metro Manila, Philippines – Carlo Paalam nabbed the silver medal for the Philippines after a hard-fought split decision loss to Rui Yamaguchi of Japan in the men’s boxing 55 kg. final on Friday, Oct. 2, at the Nishio Gymnasium.
The 28-year-old pride of Bukidnon tried to end the country’s 16-year gold medal drought in the Asian Games, but his efforts fell short against the younger Japanese pugilist.
The Philippines’ last Asian Games boxing gold came in 2010 courtesy of Rey Saludar who ruled the men’s 52 kg. division in Guangzhou.
This was Paalam’s second Asian Games medal after snagging bronze in Jakarta back in 2018. He was eliminated in the quarterfinal at the Hangzhou edition in 2023.
The Philippines now has a total of 25 medals, including four gold, six silver, and 15 bronze in the quadrennial showpiece.
