Eumir Marcial's homecoming fight this Saturday will also serve as a sendoff to his ambitious quest to win a gold medal in the Paris Olympics.

There's so much interest in Marcial's fight that the phone of MP Promotions chief Sean Gibbons keeps on buzzing with VIPs from the world of politics and other big bosses inquiring about the event.

Marcial is facing Thailand's Thoedsak Sinam in an eight-round bout at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

"I have people from all over going to the fights, these are jefes and I could understand why they are eager to see Eumir because this won't be just a homecoming but a sendoff for his Olympic bid in Paris," Gibbons said.

Even eight-division legend Manny Pacquiao is attending the fight alongside World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman, who was expected to plane in Wednesday night all the way from Mexico.

The NAS holds a special place in Pacquiao's heart.

In March 2000, Pacquiao fought Filipino-Australian Arnel Barotillo for the World Boxing Council International super-bantamweight crown.
Pacquiao, fighting for the second time at 122 lbs, knocked out Barotillo in the fifth round.

Meanwhile, the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines is keeping its fingers crossed that Marcial doesn't suffer any injury in his fifth pro fight this weekend.

ABAP secretary general Marcus Manalo said Marcial has committed to joining the national team in its training camp in Colorado Springs next month and in Thailand shortly after.

"Hope he doesn't get an injury so he can join us right away," Manalo said.