The much-awaited return of Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Marcial in professional boxing takes place in June or July, MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons told DAILY TRIBUNE on Monday.

Gibbons is excited to welcome the hard-hitting Filipino southpaw that Marcial is expected to show up at the Knuckleheads Boxing Gym in Las Vegas next week.

Given what Marcial has gone through the last year or so, Gibbons is not rushing him into a fight.

“He hasn’t fought since the (Paris) Olympics so there’s a lot of work to be done before he fights again (in the pros),” Gibbons said.

Since turning pro in Los Angeles in December 2020, Marcial has logged five wins, including three knockouts. In the last Summer Games, Marcial, who was seeded eighth in the light-heavyweight class, was eliminated in his opening match.

Once he makes his comeback in a few months, the 29-year-old Marcial is expected to become extra-busy as he aims to become a world champion in the 160-lb class and only the second Filipino to do so after Ceferino Garcia almost a century ago.

Once Marcial begins working out, he will be met there by fellow big boy Weljon Mindoro, who has also made waves lately.