Marcial, Paalam advance in Aiba World Boxing Championships

MANILA, Philippines—Two Filipinos moved on to the next round while a couple dropped out of contention in the 2019 Aiba World Boxing Championships in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

Flyweight Carlo Paalam of Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga’s Eumir Marcial both advanced in the tournament after disposing of their respective rivals Saturday at Expo Centre. 

Paalam went with a methodical approach against Hungary’s Istvan Szaka and earned a 5-0 victory from the judges.

Marcial meanwhile, stopped Morocco’s Tarik Allali, the tournament’s No. 2 middleweight in just the first round.

Allali was on the offensive when Marcial countered with a cracking two-punch combo that put the Morrocan to the mat. The referee gave the mandatory eight-count before declaring the Filipino the victor.

Light heavyweight John Marvin, who won his first fight, had to drop out of the competition after suffering an ugly gash over his left eye that required stitches. 

Coaches Ronald Chavez and Roel Velasco together with their staff, and active consultant Don Abnett of Australia decided to sideline Marvin from the tournament to avoid further damage. 

“Unfortunately today I st eh day I bow out of the World Championships 2019 here in Ekaterinburg, Russia due to a bad cut I received in the opening bout” posted Marvin on Instagram.

Marvin defeated Luthuania’s Paulius Zujevas in his opening bout.

“What an experience so far and as much as I’m gutted about the decision, I now it’s for the best, we still have a lot coming up like the 2019 SEA Games hosted in Manila and then the Olympic qualifications,” added Marvin.

Lightweight James Palicte failed to sustain his strong start against Jose Manuel Viafara of Colombia and lost via unanimous decision.