BANGKOK, Thailand — Top boxer Eumir Marcial guards against complacency despite stepping inside the ring as the gold medal favorite in the men’s 80-kilogram weight class final against a high-rated Indonesian foe today at the Chulalongkorn University Sports Center here.
Marcial scored a sensational second-round knockout win over Vietnamese Nguyen Manh Cuong on Wednesday in the semifinal Wednesday to lead three other Pinoy pugs in the gold medal round.
Championship bouts start at 3 p.m. (Manila time).
But the undefeated professional fighter knows Muskitya Maikhel Robberd is no easy prey.
“He’s a tough opponent. I really need to prepare well against him and be in top form. He’s big, tall and skilled so I can’t be complacent,” Marcial said.
Robberd defeated local bet Yomkhot Jakkapong, 4-1, in the semis.
“The finals will be an all-out war. We know he defeated an opponent from the host country. We all know that here in Bangkok you have to knock down your opponent for a chance to win but he took it with an impressive display of his skills,” Marcial added.
“My opponent is strong but I’m ready to give my best to get that gold medal.”
Also looking to win gold are Jay Brian Baricuatro, Aira Villegas and Flint Jara.
Baricuatro will go up against Thai Thitiwat Phlongaurai in the men’s 48kg., Villegas challenges another home bet in Chuthamat Raksat in the women’s 50kg. while Jara battles Thanarat Saengphet in the men’s 54kg.