Olympic silver medalist Carlo Paalam opened Team Philippines’ World Boxing Championships bid in style, cruising past Chinese Taipei’s Hsu Chiao-Chun via unanimous decision.
No early goodbyes, just a statement introduction.
Carlos Paalam reminded the boxing world why he remains one of the Philippines’ brightest hopes as he powered his way into the Round of 32 at the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, England.
The Tokyo 2020 silver medalist delivered a clinical performance, overwhelming Chinese Taipei’s Hsu Chiao-Chun in their men’s 55kg bantamweight bout.
Paalam showcased his sharp combinations and steady ring generalship to earn a dominant unanimous decision as all five judges scored the fight in his favor — 30-26, 30-27, 30-25, 30-27, 30-26.
It was a statement win for the 27-year-old boxer, who was coming off a quarterfinal exit at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
[ALSO READ: 'Ginawa ko 'yung best ko talaga' | Carlo Paalam expresses dismay, sends apologies after crushing Paris 2024 exit]
Now hungrier than ever, the two-time Olympian eyes a deeper run as he sets his sights on Dominican Republic’s Junior Alcantara in the Round of 32 on Sunday, September 7.
Meanwhile, fellow Filipino boxer Junmilardo Ogayre aims to follow Paalam’s lead when he faces Lai Chu-En in his Round of 64 opening bout in the men’s 60kg division later this evening. The winner advances to meet Biibars Zheksen of Kazakhstan for a spot in the Round of 16.
Ronald Chavez Jr. will be in action on Saturday, September 6, taking on Matthew McCole in a 70kg Round of 32 showdown.
Riza Pasuit begins her campaign tomorrow against Ragad Alnaimi of Saudi Arabia in her women’s Round of 32 debut, while Mark Ashley Fajardo will face Ukraine’s Elvin Aliev in the men’s 65kg category on Sunday, September 7, with a Round of 16 berth on the line.
Jay Bryan Baricuatro, who earned a bye, awaits the winner of the opening-round match between Bulgaria’s Ergyunal Sebahtin and Spain’s Martin Molina Salvador in a 60kg contest on Tuesday, September 9.
The inaugural World Boxing Championships, recognized by the International Olympic Committee, runs from September 4 to 14 and features more than 500 boxers from 60 countries.