THE Philippines’ medal hopes suffered a major blow after one of their top bet boxers in Eumir Marcial was eliminated in the Round of 16 men’s 80kg by Uzbekistan’s Turabek Khabibullaev at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Marcial’s hopes of improving on his bronze medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and maybe winning gold, were dashed after a stunning unanimous decision loss at the North Paris Arena.
The 28-year-old Filipino boxer was struggling in his battle against the younger and taller Uzbek, who was making his debut as an underdog in the stacked light-heavyweight division.
Photo Courtesy: One Sports via Cignal TV/POC
Formerly, the Filipino boxer competed in the middleweight class. However, Marcial took a leap when the class was eliminated from the Summer Games, forcing him to increase his weight class.
Nonetheless, expectations were high for Marcial, the seventh seed in the competition, as he was one of the first five members of the national boxing squad to qualify for the Paris Games.
What went wrong?
During the first two rounds of the fight, Khabibullaev was able to start aggressively, connecting punch after punch against the seasoned Filipino boxer.
Marcial, on the other hand, attempted to catch up as the last round began explosively. He was able to connect with his younger opponent, but time was not on his side, given Khabibullaev’s lead after the first two rounds.
Photo Courtesy: One Sports via Cignal TV/POC
Given that scenario, the veteran boxer becomes the first Pinoy boxer to withdraw from contention, as Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio both advance in their respective weight divisions.
Go pro or Los Angeles 2028?
Filipino boxing fans may have seen the last of Marcial in the Olympics, as he said that he is presently conflicted between continuing his professional career and competing in the 2028 Olympics.
Furthermore, Marcial experienced a major setback when he sustained a rib injury a few weeks before his first match in the Paris Games. Nonetheless, he stressed that, despite the heartbreaking defeat, he had no excuses.
“Sobrang sakit, kasi isinantabi ko yung professional career ko, ang dami ko sinakripisyo para mapunta dito sa Olympics, pero siguro may mas magandang plano yung Panginoon para sakin,” Marcial said.
“Hindi ko alam saan ako ulit magsisimula, kung sa professional career ko ba o mag-prepare para sa Los Angeles Olympics,” Marcial added.
Marcial, on the other hand, is overjoyed that he would be able to represent the Philippines at the Olympics yet again. However, he also confessed that he feels time is running out for him because he needs to determine what to pursue.
“Mahirap po, sa sarili ko ngayon hindi ko alam saan ako magsisimula ulit pero alam ko nandiyan ang mga Pilipino na sumusuporta sa akin at ang pamilya ko, asawa ko,” the boxer added.
The Philippines’ pound-for-pound action continues, with Hergie Bacyadan up next in the women’s 75kg Round of 16 at 6:04PM, followed by Carlo Paalam in the men’s 75kg Round of 16 at 9:30PM.
Other athletes, including artistic gymnast Caros Yulo, the Philippines’ top bet, will compete in the men’s all-around final at 11:30PM. Joanie Delgaco will compete in the women’s single sculls semi finals C/D.
