Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) chairman Ricky Vargas could not hide his admiration for Carlo Paalam and Hegie Bacyadan, who both earned qualification to compete in the Paris Olympics.
Paalam, a silver medalist in the Tokyo Olympics, had to beat five opponents in the featherweight class of the second Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Bangkok to secure one of three tickets to Paris.
Bacyadan, on the other hand, defeated three opponents to take one of four tickets available in the women’s middleweight.
“Carlo fought five fights in seven days, and all were win or be eliminated,” said Vargas in Joaquin Henson’s report to Philboxing.
“He’s an amazing Filipino athlete… So proud of him, pusong Pinoy. Carlo was all business, a pure boxer. He fought with a plan and didn’t get distracted by his opponents’ boasting. Before his last fight, I told him he’s a winner and an Olympian, but what’s more important is ikaw naniniwala na you can do it again; that’s all that matters.”
Vargas was also impressed by Bacyadan’s determination.
“I also spoke to Hergie before her last fight, and she told me she wouldn’t let go of the opportunity to go to Paris and she would do her all. I told her, ‘It’s yours; just box and stay focused because your opponent will only beat you if you allow it,’” he said.
Paalam and Bacyadan completed the Philippine boxing lineup for Paris, which includes Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, and Aira Villegas.
The post ABAP chair Vargas praises Paalam, Bacyagan first appeared on Fastbreak.
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