Paalam stops world champ, gets PH another sure medal

For the first time since joining the Games in 1924, the Philippines is taking home four medals in a single appearance.

This as Filipino boxer Carlo Paalam defeated Olympic and world champion Shakhobidin Zoirov of Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals of the men's flyweight division of the boxing event of Tokyo Olympics Tuesday at the Kokugikan Arena.

The victory assured Paalam a semifinals berth and at least a bronze medal.

Zoirov is a gold medalist in the flyweight division in both the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2019 AIBA World Championships.

But the Filipino proved up to the task as he defeated the boxing champion in two rounds, after the fight was stopped early due to a clash of heads.

They fight went to do the judges scorecards, where Paalam won 4-0-1 to claim the victory.

Paalam will next face home bet Ryomei Tanaka of Japan.

With his win, this year's contingent has already eclipsed the Philippine team's performance during the 1932 Los Angeles Games where three Filipino athletes landed on the podium.

The 23-year-old Paalam will now join other medalists in weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and boxers Eumir Marcial and Nesthy Petecio, who will shoot for a gold medal later.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News