Jude Gallagher bows out as classy 'Tin-can Crusher' Paalam progresses
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Jude Gallagher’s Olympic debut ended in a disappointing defeat against Carlo Paalam of the Philippines in their men’s 57kg round of 16 bout.
The Tyrone prospect went down by unanimous decision at the Paris Nord Arena, with every judge bar one scoring it 29-28. The other opted for a more comprehensive 30-28 for the Tokyo silver medallist. While Gallagher was disappointed with the margin he had no qualms about the outcome. The 22-year-old came to France and did all he could at his first games.
“It has been incredible,” he said post-fight. “I have had a bit to wait, to be honest. I have just been sort of focused and itching to get out there on that stage. There has been a lot of Irish boxers on before me, I’ve been watching them back in the village and I’ve been itching to get out ever since.
“I got in here today and gave it my best. That is what I came here to do, I can leave with my head held high.”
It is the second Olympics where the Filipino boxer has beaten Irish opposition, having downed captain Brendan Irvine in 2021. A cagey start culminated in a compelling finish against ‘Pipi Lata,’ or ‘Tin-can Crusher.’ Paalam’s nickname stems from his upbringing as a garbage scavenger. Now his pursuit of choice is solid gold.
By the third, Gallagher was evidently chasing points while his assertive opponent began to jeer to the crowd and showboat in the corner. Paalam’s left hook was a constant threat although Gallagher did demonstrate some fine work from centre ring in the second round that wasn’t rewarded on the scorecards.
“I thought the fight was closer than what the scorecards made it out to be, but I’ve no complaints,” he said.
“It is tough. But look here this is where I wanted to be. This is where I am sharing the ring with the best in the world, you know. A Tokyo silver medallist you know and that is where you want to be in fighting the best, the best of the best on the world’s biggest stage so... I grateful it happened to be honest with you.”
The Newtownstewart native is only the second Tyrone boxer to fight at the Olympics since Tommy Corr fought in Los Angeles 40 years ago. Now his attention turns to 2028. While the risk of boxing dropping out of the Olympics for the Los Angeles Games remains, if the sport is there, they will host a superior talent.
“I am only 22 so in four years’ time I’ll be a much different boxer. I will only grow from this. You never know, I will go on now and set my sights on LA, be peaking come 26, 27. I’ll be a different boxer.”