Tokyo Games-bound Eumir Felix Marcial will have two missions when he makes his highly-anticipated ring return Thursday (Manila time) at the Shrine Exposition Center in Los Angeles, California.
First, he wants to create an impression in his pro debut when he battles American Andrew Whitfield in a four-round battle.
Second, he is dedicating his fight to his promoter Manny Pacquiao who will be celebrating his 42nd birthday also on Thursday.
Instead of being pressured, Marcial appears to be more motivated than ever.
“Dagdag motivation din ito kasi sakto pa na birthday ni senator Manny dyan sa Pilipinas habang lumalaban ako dito. Ito na muna siguro ang magandang regalo ko kay senator habang nandito ako sa US,” said Marcial who travelled to the US last October to train under Freddie Roach.
Five months ago, the newest pride of Zamboanga City signed a promotional deal with Pacquiao’s MP Promotions after giving his assurance to the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) that he will still pursue his Olympic dream.
Pro boxers are allowed to compete in the Olympics since the last edition of the quadrennial sporting spectacle in Rio Janeiro, Brazil.
Marcial qualified to the Tokyo Games after winning the gold medal during the Asia-Oceania Olympic Qualifying Tournament last March in Amman, Jordan.
He has since been idle until he decided to sign up with MP Promotions which immediately gave him a chance to train with Freddie Roach starting last October.
“Lahat ng ito, preparation para sa Olympics. Kahit na professional na itong laban ko, lahat ng kasama ko ngayon, si coach Freddie, coach Marvin (Somodio), coach Justin (Fortune), Sir (MPP President) Sean (Gibbons), ang nasa isip namin lahat Olympics,” said Marcial.
During the weigh-in one day before the fight, Marcial registered 162.4lbs while Whitfield came in at 165.8lbs. The contracted weight is 163lbs.
