Filipino boxer Carlo Paalam battles India's Jadumani Singh Mandengbam in the round-of-16 of the men's 55kg weight class in boxing at the 2026 Asian Games, September 26, 2026. POC Media
Decorated Filipino boxer Carlo Paalam marched to the quarterfinals of the men's 55kg weight class in the 2026 Asian Games after beating his Indian opponent, Saturday at the Nishio Gym.
Paalam had to weather a furious fightback by India's Jadumani Singh Mandengbam to win by points, 3-0.
It was Paalam's first fight of the Asiad, having received a bye to the round-of-16.
"Sobrang pagod din po, pero tiwala pa din sa sarili. Magaling din, experienced na rin. Lahat naman ng bata ngayon, uhaw talaga talunin ang mga may pangalan," said Paalam.
The 28-year-old had to shed more weight than usual to compete in the weight class, as he usually fights at 57kg.
"Pagbaba pa lang ng timbang, isang hamon na," he said.
Paalam, a silver medalist in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, won the first round on all five scorecards but Mandengbam mounted a comeback in the second, winning in two of the five cards.
Four judges scored the third round in favor of Mandengbam, giving Paalam a split decision win.
"Siyempre, uhaw din kami, mga coaches ko, Lalo na ako kasi dream ko 'to talaga, makabalik ulit sa taas ng ring," added Paalam.