Eumir Marcial didn’t waste precious time shaking off jet lag as he immediately plunged into training in his Las Vegas camp.

In his first day, he was met by Kay Koroma, who has been tasked to whip the hard-hitting Filipino southpaw into form in time for next month’s fight in Temecula, California.

Marcial, who took the middleweight bronze in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, arrived in the United States over the weekend from Manila.

He was joined in the trip by national team coach Reynaldo Galido and Joven Jimenez, the longtime trainer of former world champion Jerwin Ancajas.

Jimenez told DAILY TRIBUNE that Marcial will see action on 19 September at the Pechanga Resort and Casino.

Next month’s fight is seen as a major move to boost Marcial’s professional career after years of wearing two hats.

Since turning professional in December 2000, Marcial has only logged seven pro bouts, the last taking place almost 10 months ago during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Thrilla in Manila.

In that fight, Marcial found himself on the floor twice before carving out a majority decision over Venezuelan Eddy Colmenares.

Under the plan of Marcial’s promoter Sean Gibbons, the Zamboanga puncher has to rack up a couple or three wins to enhance his chances of securing a world title shot in 2027.

In seven fights, Marcial has scored four knockouts with his left hook playing a huge role in getting the job done.

The decision to resume his pro career stems from the decision to scrap the middleweight class (75 kilograms) in Olympic-style boxing.

If ever Marcial decides to abandon his pro career, he will have to bulk up and endure the big blows of those at 80 kilograms (light-heavyweight) or drop down to 70 kilograms (super-welter).

In the 2024 Paris Olympics, Marcial was eliminated early as he attempted to try his luck in the 80-kilogram class.

In next month’s Asian Games in Japan, Marcial was entered in the 80 kilograms category.

Even in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, there won’t be competitions at 75 kilograms, leaving Marcial with no choice but to revive his pro campaign.