Carlo Paalam of the Philippines competed in the men’s 55-kilogram boxing final at the Asian Games. The match took place at Nishio Gymnasium on Friday. Paalam faced Japan’s Rui Yamaguchi. The bout ended in a 3-2 split-decision victory for Yamaguchi. Paalam’s silver medal marked the Philippines’ only boxing medal at the event. The result ended the country’s 16-year wait for an Asian Games boxing gold. Paalam had come close to ending that drought. The decision was controversial, with some observers questioning the outcome. This was Paalam’s final appearance at the Asian Games. His silver remains a notable achievement for Filipino boxing. The result highlights the competitive nature of the event and the challenges faced by athletes from smaller nations.