Boxer Carlo Paalam advanced to the Round of 16 of the men’s flyweight (48-52kg) division after winning by split decision over Ireland's Brendan Irvine in the Tokyo Olympics Monday, July 26.
Two judges scored 30-27 for Paalam, the other two 29-28, and the remaining one 28-29.
Paalam banked on his speed against the taller Irvine, starting off aggressively with combination shots before slowing down in the third round.
The Filipino bet will next face fourth seed Mohamed Flissi of Algeria, who earned an opening round bye.