BY NICK GIONGCO
Top Filipino middleweight Eumir Felix Marcial assured the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) that winning the gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics remains his main priority.
As several promotional outfits scamper to sign him to a contract in the professional ranks, Marcial talked with ABAP president Ricky Vargas in a video call and reiterated his desire to compete for flag and country next year in Tokyo.
Marcial and Vargas were also joined during the conversation by the ABAP’s resident psychologist Marcus Jarwin Manalo, who has knowledge of the ongoing talks to recruit the hard-hitting southpaw.
“Actually clarifications lang and information kung ano ang present situation. Marcial reiterated that No. 1 on his agenda is still to fight and win in the Olympics,” said ABAP secretary-general Ed Picson.
Still, Vargas guaranteed that another round of talks—with everyone involved meeting face-to-face—will take place once the lockdown is lifted.
Marcial is being lured by several groups from the US and England to turn pro with hefty bonuses on the table to help convince the 24-year-old southpaw sign his name above the dotted line.
Last month, Marcial topped the Asia-Oceania Olympic Tournament in Amman, Jordan.
The 2019 world championships silver medalist, Marcial is being wooed by Hall of Fame manager Shelly Finkel, who used to handle Pacquiao back in the mid-2000s.
Manny Pacquiao has also expressed interest in his fellow lefty, assuring Marcial of MP Promotions’ all-out support to his Olympic dreams and wish to win a world title in the pros.
MP Promotions represents all three of the Philippines’ reigning world champions other than the fighting lawmaker.
Also in MP’s expanding roster of talents are Jerwin Ancajas, John Riel Casimero and Pedro Taduran, whose affairs are being looked after by MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons.
MP Promotions has a healthy working relationship with Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions, Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc. and with Mexico’s foremost promoters.
