Graphics by Alfred Espiña

Carlo Paalam settled for silver in the men’s 55kg boxing event after falling to Japan’s Rui Yamaguchi via split decision at the Nishio Gymnasium in Aichi, Japan, Friday, October 2.

Three judges scored the bout 29-28 in favor of Yamaguchi, while the other two gave Paalam the edge, 29-28 and 30-27.

The two boxers started cautiously, measuring each other before exchanging heavier shots late in the opening round.

Yamaguchi earned the nod from most judges in the first round with his sharp counters.

Paalam picked up the pace in the second, landing clean body shots and a right overhand as Yamaguchi continued to defend and counter.

The Filipino pushed forward again in the third round, targeting Yamaguchi’s head and looking for openings.

Yamaguchi, however, stayed mobile and avoided Paalam’s attacks to preserve his advantage on the judges’ scorecards.

Paalam reached the final after beating Kazakhstan’s Makhmud Sabyrkhan, a two-time world champion, via split decision in the semifinals.

The silver extended the Philippines’ wait for an Asian Games boxing gold, with Rey Saludar last winning the title in 2010.

Article by Fiona Rubenecia