DECEMBER 9, 2019: Philippines’ Eumir Felix Marcial fights with Vietnam’s Nguyen Manh Cuong during the 30th South East Asian Games 2019 Men’s Middleweight (75 kg). INQUIRER PHOTO/ Sherwin Vardeleon
MANILA, Philippines — Eumir Marcial will continue his buildup for the Tokyo Olympics in his hometown of Zamboanga City.
Marcial arrived there on Tuesday after a triumphant professional debut in the United States where he also trained at the Wild Card Boxing Club under the famed Freddie Roach.
The 25-year-old middleweight prospect has been provided with a refurbished boxing gym complete with training equipment by sportsman Junnie Navarro, who also owns a basketball team in the Zamboanga Valientes.
“I am very grateful to the support of the Navarro family and the Zamboanga Valientes, because of them I was able to train in my hometown. This opportunity gives me more inspiration to do my best to win the gold for my city and country,” said Marcial.
Former national boxer turned coach Gerson Nietes, will oversee Marcial’s preparations.
It remains to be seen whether Marcial, one of seven Filipino bets in this year’s Summer Games, and the rest of the Philippine team will participate in the Asian Boxing Championships set from May 21 to June 1 in the United Arab Emirates.
The event was moved from New Delhi to Dubai due to the massive COVID-19 surge in India.