EUMIR Marcial leads the country’s bid for Olympic slots. BOB DUNGO JR. @tribunephl_bob

Filipino boxers need to put their performance to the next level if they want to earn slots in next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (Abap) secretary general Ed Picson said the coming Olympic qualifying tournaments will be a big test for the Phl pugilists who want to punch a ticket to the Summer Games.

And their past results, including their seven-gold haul in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and in world championships, won’t guarantee the Philippine team of cracking the Olympic roster.

“Well, Olympics is a totally different story. Although we did well in the recent world championships, still, every fight is a different fight,” Picson told Daily Tribune.

“In a tournament like Olympic qualifiers, you will probably need five to six wins in less than two weeks. So it takes a toll on the body and the mind,” he added. “Boxing is not all physical game. The mental aspect is also vital for the athletes.”

Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Felix Marcial headlined the Philippine boxing team’s performance this year after winning in the world stage and leading the squad to overall title in the SEA games.

Petecio won the gold medal in the featherweight division of the 2019 International Boxing Association Women’s World Boxing Championships in Russia last October while Marcial settled for silver in the same tournament.

Picson said neither Petecio nor Marcial has a clear advantage in the Olympic qualifiers in Wuhan, China from 3 to 14 February and in Paris, France from 13 to 24 May.

“I wouldn’t say they (Petecio and Marcial) have the highest chance. Anyone we pick for the Olympic qualifiers should have the same chance as them,” Picson said.

“While Eumir and Nesthy are expected to do well, we’ll also have the same expectations for other competing boxers.”

Breaks of the bout will also play a major role in the Filipino boxers’ quest of Olympic berths.

“You know, in boxing, you should also get some breaks. If you run against the toughest competition or opponent in the first fight, then it will be difficult,” Picson said.

“But if you are lucky enough from the draw and got matched up against a weaker opponent, then it makes it easier since you gain confidence as you go along,” he added.

After ruling the biennial meet, the Phl boxing team took a quick rest then plunged back into training as the next Olympic qualifier is two months from now.

“We asked our boxers to forego the traditional Christmas break. Because of the proximity of the Olympic qualifiers which will begin on February 2020. We found it necessary to do away with the Christmas break and instead continue training,” Picson said.