All news tagged WBA

Eight years ago, Carlo Paalam stood on the Asian Games podium with bronze around his neck.

This time, he climbed one step higher.

Paalam secured silver in the men’s 55kg division after a hard-fought championship bout against Japan’s Rui Yamaguchi, marking his best finish yet in the Asian Games.

The result may not have delivered the gold he was chasing, but the silver represents another milestone in the Filipino boxer’s long climb through the continental ranks.

Back in 2018, Paalam broke through with a bronze medal. Eight years later, he returned to the podium and upgraded the color of his medal — a simple progression that reflects the persistence required to remain among Asia’s best.

Bronze in 2018. Silver in 2026.

That journey tells its own story.

Paalam has never been a stranger to difficult fights, and his latest Asian Games campaign once again put his resilience on display. Against Yamaguchi, he battled for the top prize but ultimately settled for silver as Japan claimed the division’s gold.

For Paalam, however, the journey does not end with the runner-up finish.

The silver adds another major medal to a career already marked by international success, while also giving the Filipino boxing star another milestone to build on.

From bronze to silver, Paalam has shown that the climb is still underway.

One step higher. One more medal. And another chapter in the Carlo Paalam story.

Unbeaten Filipino middleweight contender Weljon Mindoro is keeping the door open to representing the Philippines in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games — a move he and his team consider a great honor.

Mindoro, alongside handlers Gerry Balmes and Orly Barcelango, are awaiting official communication from the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) or the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) to formalize his inclusion.

During Monday’s presentation of the 3rd Asian Youth Games medalists, POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino mentioned Mindoro’s possible addition to the national boxing lineup.

“Wala naman kaming ihi-hindi. Sa tingin ko mas maganda kung maging pormal na lang yung pagmi-meeting diyan,” said Barcelango during the PSA Forum. “Hindi namin ipagdadamot si Weljon dahil isang karangalan yun makapagsilbi para sa bayan.”

A native of Zamboanga del Sur, Mindoro previously competed in Batang Pinoy and Palarong Pambansa, but never made it to the national team. Competing in the SEA Games, he said, would be a dream come true.

“Excited ako diyan na makalaban sa SEA Games. Kung manalo ako sa SEA Games, mas maganda kung makalaban ako sa Olympics,” he added.

Mindoro and his team are set to train in Japan for stronger sparring partners. Trainer Joven Jimenez and former champion Jerwin Ancajas have also expressed support for his SEA Games prospects.

Mindoro recently served as a sparring partner for Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial in the Thrilla in Manila 50th Anniversary event. His team hopes he’ll soon officially join the national squad, eager to chase gold and represent the country on a bigger stage.

Boxing legend Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire is set to make another run at history as he faces Seiya Tsutsumi for the World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight championship on December 17 in Tokyo — a bout that could make him the oldest bantamweight world champion in history.

The Donaire-Tsutsumi clash will headline a tripleheader event promoted by Teiken Promotions, according to multiple reports.

Tsutsumi (12-0-3, 8 KOs), the reigning “champion in recess,” previously captured the WBA title after defeating Takuma Inoue but was sidelined due to injury following a draw with Daigo Higa. Meanwhile, Antonio Vargas — who was elevated to full champion — withdrew from a planned consolidation bout due to personal reasons, opening the door for Donaire’s shot at glory.

Donaire (43-8, 28 KOs), now 43 years old, earned his interim champion status after a ninth-round technical decision victory earlier this year, marking a triumphant return following a two-year layoff.

A victory in Tokyo would not only unify the title but also cement Donaire’s place in the record books — and in the hearts of Filipino boxing fans worldwide.

“Age is just a number when you have the heart for greatness,” said Donaire, who remains one of the most respected names in the sport.