Carlo Paalam's 2024 Paris Olympics stint has come to an abrupt end.
The 2021 Tokyo silver medalist succumbed via split decision against Australia's Charlie Senior in their quarterfinal round with the score of 3-2, preventing him from moving on to the Olympic semifinals of the men's 57 kg boxing competition.
After missing out on gold at the Tokyo Games three years prior, Paalam's setback kept him from earning a guaranteed medal for the Philippines.
Tightly-contested battle
In the early going of their fight, Paalam's quickness was evident as he was able to land numerous blows on his Australian opponent.
When the second round came to an end, the Australian fighter had a minor advantage, and as a result, the battle went into the third round tied.
Paalam then took an increasingly aggressive approach to the decider, but Senior was able to hold his own against the Filipino hitter and ultimately win the match in the final round.
Ruing the decision
One of the nation's best prospects to win a medal, the 26-year-old Paalam, struggled to contain his fury at losing to Senior, saying that he had the better blows during their intense bout.
"Lamang talaga ako. Ang mindset ko lang laro ko lang ang laro ko. Walang tama na solid sa akin puro hampas na nga. Sa akin clear na clear," said Paalam in an interview with Paris Olympics broadcaster One Sports.
????“Klaro naman yung score talaga na sa akin yung bawi ko sa kanya, clear na clear,” he added.
Despite his disappointment, Paalam is taking a step back in his career as he remains one of the country's top young boxing talents.
