Light but lethal.

That’s going to sum up the Philippine boxing team that will be sent to compete in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya in September-October.

Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) president Marcus Manalo said Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Marcial will banner the Filipino squad as he competes in the men’s 80-kilogram division.

He also said keeping the squad small ensures that the Philippines will send only its best boxers to face the toughest competition in Asia.

Marcial was the lone Filipino boxing medalist in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou after settling for a silver medal in the men’s 80kg division.

“You have to be at a specific level before you get to compete at the Asian Games. Maybe it’s my own philosophy, but I tell the coaches that the Asian Games are not for exposure,” Manalo said.

“You’re there to get to the podium and win medals.”

Joining Marcial in the Philippines’ Asiad campaign are Tokyo Olympics silver medalists Carlo Paalam, who will compete in the men’s 55kg division, and Nesthy Petecio, who will see action in the women’s 60kg division.

Paris Olympics bronze medalist Aira Villegas will campaign in the women’s 51kg division, while Marjon Piañar will campaign in the men’s 70kg division.

Manalo said they are still looking to add a few more boxers, with Paul Bascon and Jun Milardo Ogayre in contention, while Weljon Mindoro is still contemplating whether to compete in the heavier 90kg division.

“Actually, I talked to Weljon last week. I called him and asked if he wanted to do 90 kilograms,” Manalo said.

“He’s on our long list, so anytime we can put him in the lineup. But if he can do 90 kilograms, I also don’t want to force him.”

The Philippines will be gunning for its first Asian Games boxing gold medal since flyweight Rey Saludar accomplished the feat at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.