By WAYLON GALVEZ
After a successful pro debut in the US last week, Filipino boxer Eumir Marcial reiterated Saturday that he is fully committed and focused on preparations for the Tokyo Olympics next year.
Marcial said he has talked to Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) president Rickie Vargas about the possibility of joining a training camp for the national team in Thailand.
“Na-discuss na din kay Sir Rickie na may training camp kami (national team) sa Thailand this January,” said Marcial in an interview with The Chasedown on One PH over Cignal TV.
“Inaayos pa nila, kung maa-aprub at kung maayos nila ‘yung sa training camp. Tinanong nila sa akin kung makasama daw ako dun, sabi ko, ‘Yes magpapaalam ako (with MP Promotions), aayusin namin, ‘yung schedule dito (in the US).’”
“Then sabi nila baka April may tournament din sa amateur. Ang priority natin tournament sa amatuer dahil ‘yun yung goal natin, Olympics pa din. Kung anong plano nila and OK naman, wala namang probema sa training, anytime naman sasama ako,” he added.
The 25-year-old Marcial said he had separate talks regarding his situation with ABAP Secretary General Ed Picson and boxing national team psychological personnel Marcus Jarwin.
According to Marcial, he is fully committed to the national team and the country’s campaign to win its first Olympic gold medal and his training is focused on getting better before the games.
Marcial turned pro by signing a deal with the MP Promotions of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao last July. Last week, he made his pro debut, earning unanimous decision victory against Andrew Whitfield at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
