BY WAYLON GALVEZ
The highly anticipated professional debut of Eumir Marcial will likely happen this month, but MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions President Sean Gibbons is more excited to see him become the country’s first Olympic gold medal winner.
Gibbons said that there is a possibility to finally get Marcial his pro debut this December, and probably two more next year before the Tokyo Olympics, which has been reset to begin July 23.
Marcial, the 30-year-old native of Zamboanga City is currently training at the renowned Wild Card gym in Los Angeles under Hall of Fame coach Freddie Roach since his arrival in the US in mid October.
“It’s a blessing that he was able to come here in the US. Since Day 1 our focus is the Tokyo Olympics and win the first gold (for the Philippines),” said Gibbons during the online PSA Forum Tuesday.
“We’re looking at December. For him to get the experience, is to get a four-rounder or six-rounder. By coming here (to train in the US) he gives himself a heck of a shot to win in Tokyo 2021.”
Marcial signed a six-year deal with MP Promotions last July, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, plans to move in the US were rescheduled while flights were postponed.
He finally arrived in LA last October, and according to Gibbons, a fighter normally prepares for at least 60 days prior to the match. That window, according to Marcial, is enough for him as he expressed his readiness to fight against anyone.
“Sa ngayon sobrang ready,” said Marcial who earned his Tokyo Olympic spot via the Asia- Oceania Olympic qualifying tournament in Amman last March.
