Carlo Paalam opens optimistic PH bid with victory

FILE–The Philippines’ Carlo Paalam reacts after winning against Japan’s Ryomei Tanaka (red) after their men’s fly (48-52kg) semifinal boxing match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo on August 5, 2021. (Photo by UESLEI MARCELINO / POOL / AFP)

Carlo Paalam hurdled his initial obstacle in the final World Qualification Tournament for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

For the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, the path to the French capital at the ongoing final qualifier in Bangkok, Thailand, won’t be a stroll and the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (Abap) hinges its faith on an optimistic draw for all four Filipino boxers in the global meet as they go along.

“I think we have a good draw overall,’’ said Abap secretary general Marcus Manalo prior to the opening bouts of Criztian Laurente on Sunday and Hergie Bacyadan on Monday.

READ: Paris or bust as Carlo Paalam takes last Olympic shot

The four boxers have reached the last stop in their Olympic qualification journey and should get on board the next vehicle going to Paris in a bid to join qualifiers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas.

“Pitt Laurente has the most challenging route since his first bout is against a Kazakh. But I fully believe in his ability to get it done,’’ said Manalo.

Laurente, the unbeaten professional who was recalled to the national team specifically for the Summer Games in July, climbs atop the ring opposite Kazakhstan’s Mukhammedsabyr Bazarbay Uulu in the 63.5 kg category on Sunday.

Surviving the shifty and potent Kazakh will keep Laurente in contention for the five Olympic berths at stake in his division. The General Santos City pug should overcome his succeeding bouts on May 28, 29 and 31 prior to the medal rounds on June 1 and 2.