Carlo Paalam vows to ‘come back stronger’ to make Paris Olympics

Carlo Paalam.–CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Carlo Paalam’s campaign in the World Qualification Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy came to an abrupt end on Monday.

Vying for a ticket to the Paris Olympics, Paalam and his corner were forced to throw in the towel in the second round of his men’s flyweight round of 16 bout against Great Britain’s Kiaran MacDonald due to a shoulder injury.

“I wanted to take a moment to explain why I had to surrender in my recent boxing fight. Unfortunately, I sustained an injury in my last match that hasn’t fully healed, and during the course of the fight, it became apparent that continuing would risk further damage,” wrote the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist on social media.

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“As much as it pains me to step away from the ring in this manner, my health and well-being must always come first.”

The 25-year-old Paalam hurt his shoulder in his previous fight against Mexico’s Andrey Bonilla, whom he still managed to beat via split decision to advance to the next round.

The injury was a major blow to Paalam’s bid to qualify for the Games but all is not lost for the Bukidnon native.

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Paalam will have another shot at a trip to Paris in the second World Olympic Qualifier slated in May in Thailand.

“Rest assured, I am focused on recovering fully so I can come back stronger and continue pursuing my passion for boxing.”