Reinforcements ready

The Philippines is bringing in a pair of boxing big guns to bolster its chances of scooping mints in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA) in Thailand next month.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino formally announced on Wednesday the inclusion of Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Marcial and fellow undefeated professional boxer Weljon Mindoro in the formidable13-man boxing team set to compete in the biennial meet set from 9 to 20 December.

“They will be joining us in the SEA Games in Bangkok. Definitely, it will be a podium for the two. I don’t want to predict that it would be gold, but definitely, we’ll try to get the gold,” Tolentino said.

Marcial is back after skipping the previous edition in Cambodia because of a shoulder injury, hoping to win a fifth gold medal.

The 30-year-old Southpaw pug is undefeated in seven pro bouts. He is fresh from a majority decision win over Venezuelan Eddy Colmenares for the vacant World Boxing Council International middleweight title.

Marcial will be fighting in his Olympic weight class of 80 kilograms in the SEA Games for the first time.

“I’m grateful for another opportunity to represent the Philippines in the SEA Games,” said Marcial, who is now just two weeks away from finishing his concussion protocol.

“Of course, there’s pressure because this is my fifth time in the SEA Games. I know the expectations of Filipino fans and supporters are high after my previous four gold medals,” he added.

“All I could promise is to do my best. But there’s no room for complacency, although I’m confident I’ll win the gold. I’m very happy and excited to hook up once again with my teammates, old and new, as well as being there with other Filipino athletes to compete and bring honor to the country.”

Knockout artist Mindoro will compete in the men’s 75 kgs.

Mindoro, who sports an impressive 16-0 record with 15 coming off knockouts, expressed gratitude for the rare opportunity to step inside the ring fighting for the flag.

“I’m very happy that I have been given an opportunity to compete in the SEA Games. I’m glad to be one of the athletes representing the Philippines,” he said.

Mindoro added that it was his dream to be part of the Philippine team since he was growing up. He, however, didn’t get the opportunity after an unsuccessful stint at the grassroots level.

“I’m a professional boxer but I decided to return to the amateur rank and compete in the SEA Games. It’s my childhood dream, actually,” he said.

Tolentino pins his hopes on the two prized pugs to help the national boxers replicate, if not surpass, the Philippines’ four golds, five silvers and one bronze medal haul two years ago.

“We all know the records of these two boxers in the professional ranks,” added the POC chief, hoping Marcial and Mindoro’s pro credentials will translate into medals in the SEA Games.

Included in the men’s team are Jay Bryan Baricuatro (48kg), Marvin Tabamo (51kg), Flint Jara (54kg), Ian Clark Bautista (57kg), and Junmilardo Ogayre (60kg).

Olympians Nesthy Petecio (60kg), Aira Villegas (50kg) and Hergie Bacyadan (70kg) are back to anchor the women’s squad.

Also competing are Ofelia Magno (48kg), Claudine Veloso (54kg) and Riza Pasuit (57kg).

The bulk of Filipino boxers are already in Thailand for a training camp while Marcial and Mindoro, who arrived in Manila early Wednesday, will fly in this weekend.