Filipino Olympic boxing medalists Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio, and Eumir Marcial are set to return to the quadrennial Summer Games after securing their qualification berths for Paris 2024.
The three Tokyo Olympians lead the 5-man boxing delegation including Aira Villegas and Hergie Bacyadan, in their bid for the Philippines’ next gold medal at the Paris Summer Games scheduled from July 26 to August 11.
A Determined Paalam
Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Carlo Paalam finally punched his ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics after facing setbacks in the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, and at the first World Olympic Qualification in Busto Arsizio in March.
Paalam triumphed in the men’s 57kg division semi-final with a unanimous decision victory over Sachin Sachin of India at the World Boxing Olympic Qualification on June 1 in Bangkok, Thailand.
“Di ko tuluyang akalain na ang pangarap kong makapasok noon sa Tokyo Olympics 2020 ay papalaring makapasok muli sa Paris Olympics 2024,” said Paalam on his Facebook post.
Petecio’s Last Olympics
Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Nesthy Petecio, the first Filipino woman to win an Olympic medal in boxing, secured her spot in Paris by achieving an Olympic quota at the first World Qualification Tournament on March 11 in Busto Arsizio, Italy.
Petecio outscored Esra Yildiz of Turkiye, 4-1, in the women’s 57kg category semi-finals.
“I am so blessed. This is very important for me because maybe this is my last Olympics,’’ the 31-year-old Petecio said in an interview with Olympics.com.
Marcial’s Knockout Victory
Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial secured an Olympic quota in the men’s 80kg division at the 19th Asian Games boxing event on October 4, 2023, in Hangzhou Gymnasium, China.
Marcial won the semi-final bout via a knockout victory against Ahmad Ghousoon of Syria and clinched a silver medal in the finals after falling to Tanglatihan Tuohetaerbieke of China via unanimous decision.
“This has been my ultimate dream coming to the Asian Games, and I couldn’t be more honored and thankful to represent our country yet again at the Olympics. I dedicate this win to every Filipino who believed and supported me,” Marcial shared on his Facebook post.
READ: Six Filipino Athletes Set Sights on Gold at Paris Olympics: Meet the National Pride
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