By JONAS TERRADO
Eumir Felix Marcial can’t wait to learn the tricks of the fight game under the tutelage of Freddie Roach.
Marcial, who needs to complete some paperworks before he can board a flight to the United States, said having Roach will definitely boost his confidence as he looks to capitalize on having to train at the famed Wild Card Gym.
“Sobrang excited dahil alam naman natin talaga yung kalidad ng pagtuturo ni Coach Freddie Roach simula pa lang kay Senator Manny (Pacquiao),” Marcial said during Tuesday’s virtual sendoff hosted by Big Boss Cement.
“Sobrang nakakataas ng morale, kung baga ganado kang magensayo dahil alam mo yung ituturo sayo professional at ituturo talaga sayo ano yung the best,” added Marcial, who months ago signed a professional contract with Pacquiao’s MP Promotions.
Marcial has been limited to doing most of his training at his home in Imus, Cavite with help from his cousin Anthony Marcial since community quarantine regulations were imposed by the government in mid-March.
He also spent time training along with IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas at the Survival Camp in Magallanes where the latter stays.
But being in the US now gives Marcial plenty of opportunities to try and hone his skills before next year’s Tokyo Olympics and his future debut as a professional fighter.
“He’s taking advantage of the situation where I let you box professionally, get that valuable experience because a lot of the guys he’s facing up are gonna be professional or doing pro,” said MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons from the US.
“So what I’ve always told Eumir is let’s really focus on getting better, to win that gold medal and that’s kinda the idea. Whereas the pro debut and all of that, we’re still kinda kicking in dates around, figure things out. But just getting him here, get him the proper sparring, proper training and proper everything,” he added.
As he waits for his US trip, Marcial on Wednesday received a video message from Roach himself.
“Can’t wait to have you here,” Roach said in the message which Marcial posted on his Facebook account.
