FILE–The Philippines’ Carlo Paalam reacts after winning against Uzbekistan’s Shakhobidin Zoirov during their men’s fly (48-52kg) quarter-final boxing match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo on August 3, 2021. (Photo by Luis ROBAYO / POOL / AFP) A silver medal in the Tokyo Olympics is a thing of the past for Carlo Paalam. “For me, the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo is different from now because from what we experienced before, we all went back to zero,” Paalam, who settled for the silver after bowing to Galal Yafai in the Finals of men’s boxing flyweight division in Japan, said in Filipino.

“We aren’t [being confident] that [because] we are already Olympians [we’re favorites] ...

when you think like that, you are inflating your ego and you think too much of yourself,” the 25-year-old pug said in a press conference to send off the country’s bets in Makati City on Thursday. Paalam earned another shot at the Summer Games gold with a unanimous decision against India’s Sachin Siwach in the men’s 57-kilogram division of the Second World Qualification Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, earlier this month. He will lead this year’s Filipino Olympic bets during the opening ceremonies when he shares flag-bearing duties with fellow Tokyo silver medalist Nesthy Petecio.

“I am so happy to be [a flagbearer] because we are not only carrying our family names but the whole Philippines and walk holding the Philippine flag,” the soft-spoke.