Carlo Paalam edged China’s Jiamao Zhang by split decision to reach the semifinals of the men’s 55-kilogram boxing event at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. The Olympic silver medalist has secured his place in the medal round.

The 28-year-old Filipino returned to the Asian Games aiming to top his bronze-medal finish at the 2018 Jakarta edition. He came back after nearly a year away from competition and after skipping the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

Paalam Survives Canvas Scare to Beat Zhang by Split Decision

Paalam set the tone in the opening round, pressing forward and pushing Zhang toward the ropes. His aggressive start earned him the round on the judges’ scorecards.

Zhang answered in the second, using counters to disrupt Paalam’s rhythm. The Filipino adjusted, became more selective with his punches and landed cleaner combinations to take the round.

The third round turned more physical, and Zhang brought Paalam down to the canvas in one exchange. Paalam stayed composed, returned to his game plan with his jab, movement and quick one-two combinations, and finished strong to take the split decision.

Paalam Sets Up Semifinal Rematch With World Champion Sabyrkhan

Paalam next faces Kazakhstan’s Makhmud Sabyrkhan, the 2025 world champion, in the men’s 55kg semifinal. The two have met before, and Paalam won a 4-1 split decision in the bantamweight final of the 2022 ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championships.

That bout took place in Amman, Jordan, on Nov. 12, 2022, and earned Paalam the gold medal. After beating Zhang, he said he stuck to his usual approach by listening to his coaches and keeping his emotions in check.

Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines President Marcus Manalo said Paalam set the tone early and did enough to secure his place in the medal round. The win keeps alive Paalam’s bid to improve on his Jakarta bronze.