Daily Tribune‘I think it’s time for him to focus on his professional career’
EUMIR Marcial (right) takes a break from a sparring session with Floyd Masson. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF EUMIR MARCIAL/IG
Eumir Marcial may have to give up on his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal.
Sean Gibbons, who represents the Filipino middleweight via the Manny Pacquiao-owned MP Promotions, told Daily Tribune that his next professional fight will happen sometime in September.
"You do the math," Gibbons told the Manila-based scribe who asked him about what's down the road for the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist.
Marcial is planning to suit up for the Philippines in the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games scheduled 23 September to 8 October since the event will serve as a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
If Marcial fights in September, and Gibbons reveals that the proposed bout won't be taking place in the early part of the month, he will have no choice but to abandon the Asian Games.
Marcial has signed a promotional contract with Premier Boxing Champions, a major outfit in the United States.
Since entering the pro ranks in December 2020 in Los Angeles, Marcial has logged a 4-0 record with two knockouts.
"I think it's time for him to focus on his professional career," Gibbons said.
Time is of the essence as Marcial, who placed second in the 2019 world championships, is turning 28 in October.
Gibbons said Marcial is doing well under new trainer Kay Koroma in Las Vegas.
Last time he fought, Marcial stopped Ricardo Villalba of Argentina in February in San Antonio, Texas.
Should the fight being arranged by PBC materialize, Marcial will have to forget about representing the Philippines so he can fully devote his time to the pros.
Given his lofty stature, Marcial is one of the brightest gold medal hopefuls for the Philippines in the Asian Games and in Paris 2024 alongside world No. 2 pole vaulter EJ Obiena, Japan-based gymnast Carlos Yulo, Olympic champion weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and fellow boxers and Tokyo medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, both silver medalists in Tokyo.
If only Marcial's fifth pro bout happens in August, he could still make himself available for the Asian Games.
But with PBC pushing back his next schedule, Marcial, also the 2009 World Junior champion, is left with no option but to fulfill his obligations.
Besides, Gibbons said, he doesn't have anything more to prove in the amateur ranks.
