IN HIS 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics debut, Filipino fighter Carlo Paalam was given the split decision victory against Ireland’s Brendan Irvine earlier today at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo. The judges scored the bout 30-27, 29-28, 28-29, 30-27, 29-28 in favor of the 23-year-old Filipino.
Despite being at a height and reach disadvantage, Paalam started the match strong after unleashing a flurry of punches that dictated the tempo in the first round. Paalam’s aggressiveness ultimately led to all five judges giving him the round win, 10-9.
The Irishman, however, found his footing in the second round as both fighters started to engage and trade blows. A much more even round saw three judges award the round win to Paalam, with the two other judges giving the 10-9 round win to Irvine.
Entering the final round, both Paalam and Irvine stayed in range of each other, resulting in an entertaining last few minutes of the bout. Despite being visibly exhausted, both fighters chose to box in the pocket for most of the third round. After going the distance, it was Paalam’s glove that was raised—victorious via split decision.
With this victory, Paalam advances to the Round of 16 where he will face Algeria’s Mohamed Flissi on Saturday, July 31 in Kokugikan Arena, Tokyo at 10:48 AM Manila time.
