Marcial shifts focus on Paris Olympics
AFTER winning his first professional fight at home, Filipino boxer Eumir Felix Marcial is set to train with the Philippine national team in Colorado, United States this April.
Marcial, who is preparing for the Paris Olympics, made this known on Saturday night, March 23, following his fourth round stoppage of Thai opponent Thoedsak Sinam in their 8-round, super middleweight bout at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.
“I will return to the United States to train with the national team in Colorado,” Marcial, a Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, told the reporters after his fight.
“We will train in the US because it’s like the boxing center there. I think it will be good for me if I will prepare there for the Paris Olympics. Most of the Olympicsbound athletes also train there.”
Marcial underscored the importance of having a professional fight as part of his buildup for the Paris Games, especially after his last bout being the finals of the Hangzhou Asian Games last September.
The 28-year-old punched his ticket to the Paris Games for being a finalist in the Asiad where he claimed a silver medal.
“Fighting here is a huge thing for me because after I qualified for the Olympics through the Asian Games last year, I didn’t have exposure anymore. Training just because and training for a fight is a lot different,” said Marcial.
“We really prepared for this fight. I will rest for about five days to one week maximum and then return to training to continue my preparations for the Olympics.”
For now, Marcial is grateful to have won in front of his compatriots.
“I’m very grateful for the win. First and foremost, I want to thank the Lord. He guided me in my fight. I finished it safely and I suffered no injuries,” said Marcial, who also thanked PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann and POC President Bambol Tolentino for their support.
“I also want to thank the Filipinos who came here. I didn’t expect that I’m going to feel this elated to have seen my people supporting me. I also want to thank my team and my wife who is my inspiration.”