By JONAS TERRADO
Eumir Felix Marcial reaffirmed his commitment to represent the country in future competitions like the Tokyo Olympics even after signing a six-year promotional contract to fight as a professional with Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions.
Marcial on Thursday confirmed the signing under Pacquiao, adding that the agreement won’t be a hindrance whenever he is called upon by the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines to compete in international competitions.
“Napili ko ang MP Promotions dahil sa kanilang 100% support sa aking hangarin na lumaban pa para sa Pilipinas sa mga future SEA Games at Asian Games competitions at maging sa Olympics,” Marcial said in a statement. “Sa katunayan, nakasaad sa aking six-year-promotional deal na hindi sila magiging hadlang sa oras na kailanganin ako ng national team.”
The multi-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist and silver medalist in last year’s AIBA World Championship also said that the opportunity to be under Pacquiao’s stable is something he couldn’t pass.
The Zamboanga native also expressed gratitude toward ABAP officials led by President Ricky Vargas and Executive Director Ed Picson, coaches and staff for honing him even before he became a junior world champion in 2011.
“Karangalan ko din na maging gabay sa aking boxing career si Senator Manny Pacquiao na sa tulong ni MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons ay naging instrumento sa tagumpay ng ating mga current world champions Pedro Taduran, Johnriel Casimero at Jerwin Ancajas,” the middleweight fighter said.
“Lubos naman ang aking pasasalamat sa mga nakasama ko sa simula pa lamang ng aking boxing career, unang-una po ang aking pamilya sa ABAP sa pangunguna ni President Ricky Vargas, Secretary-general Ed Picson at coaches Romeo Brin, Pat Gaspi, Boy at Roel Velasco, Elmer Pamisa at Ronald Chavez, sports psychologist Marcus Manalo at performance analyst Jeff Pagaduan.
In a separate statement, Vargas expressed support for Marcial’s decision to join Pacquiao’s camp.
“I told him, I am very happy for him, wished him well and said now he can focus on his career. “He is in good hands with Senator Pacquiao,” Vargas said.
“I likewise reiterated ABAP’s all out support on his quest for the Olympic medal, told him he is always welcome to our training camp and if he needs any help his ABAP family and coaches will be there for him always. I also thanked him for his commitment to train hard and represent our country in the Olympics,” added Vargas.
Marcial earned qualification to the Tokyo Games by way of last year’s Asia-Oceania qualifiers in Amman, Jordan.
