Carlo Paalam schooled his 22-year-old foe from Ireland, Jude Gallagher.
Carlo Paalam flexed his speed and wits in disposing Jude Gallagher of Ireland in their 57-kg round of 16 bout in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on Wednesday, July 31 (Philippine time).
Paalam came out with guns blazing, landing blinding punches from all over despite the pressure from his Irish foe on the way to a unanimous decision at the North Paris Arena.
The judges scored the fight, 29-28, 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28.
The 26-year-old Filipino was extra aggressive to start the final frame, landing a couple of solid ones including a hook.
But the 22-year-old Gallagher is unperturbed.
Sensing he needed to come up with something big to snatch the victory, Gallagher kept the pressure and chased the Tokyo 2020 silver medalist around the ring.
Knowing a win is already in the bag in the final minute, Paalam opted to milk the clock and move around until the final buzzer.
The quest for an Olympic gold continues for Paalam, who advances to the quarterfinals on August 3 against Australia's Charlie Senior.