HANGZHOU, China – Coming off a close 4-1 win over Kyrgyztan’s Munarbek Uulu Seiitbek, Carlo Paalam goes for at least a bronze medal when he faces reigning world champion Abdulmalik Khalokov of Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals of the men’s 57-kilogram class on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at the city’s boxing gym here.

Paalam, however, needs to solve the riddle of Khalokov if he is to advance to the semis of the division filled with world-class fighters.

If he was impressive the last time, Paalam should be at his finest against Khalokov who packs dynamite in both hands.

But being an intelligent fighter that he is, Paalam remains unfazed.

Only the finalists in each weight division will advance outright to the Paris Olympics that’s why it is paramount for Paalam to throw bombs with razor-sharp precision against a wily rival like Khalokov.

“Kailangan maunahan ko siya at maging mas matalino sa kanya sa laro para manalo,” added Paalam

Khalokov enjoys a slight edge in height but that won't ruffle Paalam who already beat taller rivals in his first two matches, including Seiitbek – thanks to his quickness and being a good counter puncher. 

The last time a Filipino boxer won a gold medal in the quadrennial sporting jamboree was during the Guangzhou Asian Games in 2010 courtesy of Rey Saludar.

“Sana tuloy tuloy ang panalo,” said the stocky 5-foot-4 Paalam who shot to fame following his sterling Tokyo Games performance where he won a silver.

Paalam experienced extreme poverty during his childhood but with another chance to gain more fame and fortune, he is out go all the way no matter what it takes.