Asiad: Paalam assured of bronze after beating Chinese foe in q'finals

Filipino boxer Carlo Paalam in action against China's Zhang Jiamao in the men's 55kg class in the 2026 Asian Games, September 28, 2026 at the Nishio Gym. POC Media

Filipino boxer Carlo Paalam is assured of a bronze medal in the 2026 Asian Games after a hard-fought win against a Chinese opponent in the quarterfinals of the men's 55kg class, Monday at the Nishio Gymnasium.

Paalam got the nod of three of the five judges for a split decision victory over China's Zhang Jiamao, sealing his place in the semifinals.

It was a smartly-fought battle for the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, who landed the cleaner, more significant punches through the three-round affair.

The 28-year-old also did well to fend off Zhang in the third round, even as the Chinese boxer ramped up his aggression in hopes of turning the fight in his favor.

Paalam's win ensures that the Philippine boxing team will not go home empty-handed from the 2026 Asiad, after early exit from other fighters and a loss by Olympian Nesthy Petecio earlier in the day.

Up next for Paalam is a semis showdown against Makhmud Sabyrkhan of Kazakhstan, the 2025 world champion in their weight class.