SPORTS

Marcial books 4th pro fight

Nick Giongco

Eumir Marcial ramps up his professional career when he "fights for a minor title" early next year.

American boxing man Sean Gibbons, who runs Marcial's career, told Daily Tribune that the Filipino middleweight will resurface in January.

It will mark the fourth time Marcial will be fighting as a pro as the Zamboanga native makes a major tweak in his fledgling career in the punch-for-pay circuit.

"Eumir is no longer an amateur and his goal is to be the best that he can be and the goal is to win a world title," Gibbons said.

Last Friday, the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines declared that it will only welcome Marcial's services if the hard-hitting lefty rejoins the national team in training camp.

With Marcial zeroing in on his pro career in the United States, it doesn't appear that the Abap will field him in the Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh in May 2023 and even in the Hangzhou Asian Games in September unless the fighter opts to put his pro pursuits on hold.

Marcial, who is in America now, last suited up for flag and country during the Hanoi SEA Games.

When he turned pro in December 2020 in Los Angeles, he made a vow that he would continue to carry the country's colors.

And even after taking the Olympic bronze, Marcial said that he is not giving up on his dream to win the gold medal when Paris hosts the 2024 Games.