FILE–The Philippines’ Carlo Paalam and Britain’s Galal Yafai fight during their men’s fly (48-52kg) boxing final bout during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo on August 7, 2021. (Photo by Luis ROBAYO / POOL / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines—Coming off an injury, Carlo Paalam is “feeling better” ahead of the Paris Olympics.
“Right now, it’s feeling better because I can really move it now,” said Paalam in Filipino, pertaining to his shoulder.
“Unlike before when it’s hard for me just even to change my clothes, now, by God’s grace, I’m adjusting with the help of my PTs (physical therapists) and coaches.”
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Paalam injured his shoulder last March which forced him to withdraw in the Round of 16 of the World Qualification Tournament.
The 25-year-old Paalam returned to action in June in the second World Boxing Olympic Qualification where he earned his ticket to the Paris Games following a unanimous decision win over India’s Sachin Sachin in the semifinal of the men’s 57kg division.
Although, Paalam is still not 100 percent, the injury doesn’t seem to be much of a concern for him as he goes for an Olympic gold three years after claiming silver at the Tokyo Olympics.
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“There’s some parts where it hurts sometimes but it’s very minimal,” he said.
“Sometimes I don’t feel it but I just enjoy it. This is a fight and I can manage it.”
Paalam is one of five Filipino boxers who will be competing at the Paris Games. Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Marcial, who won silver and bronze medals in Tokyo, Hergie Bacyadan and Aira Villegas complete the Philippine boxing team in Paris.