Carlo Paalam’s Olympic bid ends in heartbreaking split decision

The Philippines’ Olympic boxing campaign suffered another setback as Carlo Paalam bowed out of the 2024 Paris Olympics competition following a heartbreaking split decision loss to Australia’s Charlie Senior in the quarterfinals of the men’s 57kg division.

The bout, held at the North Paris Arena, showcased Paalam’s exceptional speed and agility. He opened the fight with a series of rapid hits, quickly establishing an early lead against his Australian opponent. Paalam’s quick footwork and precise punches were on full display, giving him the edge in the initial exchanges.

However, Senior remained resilient, landing several significant blows of his own as the first round progressed. Despite a spirited effort from the Australian, it was Paalam who edged out the round, earning a slight lead on the judges’ scorecards.

The second round saw a shift in momentum. Senior adjusted his strategy, countering Paalam’s attacks more effectively and managing to tip the scales in his favor by the round’s conclusion. This left both fighters entering the decisive third round on equal footing.

In the final round, Paalam came out with renewed vigor, launching a series of flurries in an attempt to secure his place in the medal rounds. His relentless aggression and determination were evident as he sought to overwhelm Senior in the bout’s final moments.

Despite Paalam’s best efforts, the judges ultimately awarded the victory to Senior in a close and controversial decision. The Australian boxer now advances to the semifinals, where he will face Abdumalik Khalolov of Uzbekistan, who defeated José Quiles of Spain in his quarterfinal match via unanimous decision.

For Paalam, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow. His journey in Paris 2024 may have ended prematurely, but his performance remains a testament to his skill and tenacity in the ring.