By REYNALD MAGALLON
The fire in the eyes of two-time Olympian Eumir Marcial has not waver even with his stunning early exit in the 2024 Paris Games.
It only burned hotter and brighter.
The 28-year-old Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist is not easily letting go of his dream of finally winning the elusive gold in the biggest sporting stage as he hopes to still compete for Team Philippines in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Left at the crossroads of his career following his shocking loss to Turabek Khabibullaev in the Round of 16 in the men’s 80kg boxing event in Paris, Marcial said he intends to still compete for Team PH in the next Olympics even as he hopes to return to professional ring and focus on his pro career in the coming years.
“Siguro mag focus po muna tayo sa professional career ko, pero hindi naman po nawawala yung kagustuhan ko na manalo ng gintong medalya para sa Pilipinas,” said Marcial.
“Kahit sa last qualifier ng LA 2028, sasali po ako para magkaroon po ng chance na makabalik sa Olympics and sana doon manalo na po ng ginto,” he added.
Marcial already has five professional fights under his belt where he remained undefeated with three knockouts to show. He last fought Thai boxer Thoedsak Sinam last March before focusing on his preparations for the Paris Games.
Marcial’s loss in Paris may have been a shocker for some but he took it on the chin, saying he was still proud of his performance as well as of the rest of the Philippine team who reaped two golds and two bronzes to become the best placed Southeast Asian nation in this edition.
“Proud pa rin po ako sa nagawa ko, lumaban pa rin naman po ako para sa bayan. Syempre proud rin po ako kay Caloy at sa mga kapwa ko boxers sina Nesthy and Aira,” said Marcial.
