Eumir Marcial ‘devastated’ after early exit in Paris Olympics

Team Philippines’ Eumir Marcial, right, fights Uzbekistan’s Turabek Khabibullaev in their preliminary men’s 80kg boxing match at the Paris Olympics 2024 Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/John Locher)

MANILA, Philippines — Team Philippines’ boxing bet Eumir Marcial expressed his devastation after his medal dream was shattered early in the Paris Olympics 2024.

Marcial couldn’t hide his frustration after his second Olympic campaign only lasted for one match, losing to Turabek Khabibullaev of Uzbekistan in the men’s 80-kilogram boxing early Wednesday (Manila time) at North Paris Arena in France.

“My fighting spirit has never once wavered for the Philippines,” wrote Marcial on Instagram “I’m devastated and at loss for words. It’s a tough loss, I do not know how to explain this loss to all the Filipinos who believed in me and supported me. It’s a difficult place to be in, no one really prepares to lose.”

“But like I said there’s no excuses. The people know that it has always been my absolute dream to win the gold medal at the Olympics not just for myself, for my family, but most especially, for the Philippines,” he added.

The 28-year-old boxer, who was one of the Team Philippines’ top bets to win a medal, said he injured his ribs two weeks before the Olympics but did not use that as an excuse with his gold medal hopes slipping away right in the campaign opener.

“I went to training every day with a mindset of winning the gold. I’ve put in the hard work and sacrificed so much for this dream, as far as putting my professional career on hold,” Marcial said.

Team Philippines’ Eumir Marcial, right, fights Uzbekistan’s Turabek Khabibullaev in their preliminary men’s 80kg boxing match at the Paris Olympics 2024, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/John Locher)

“Not many people know but behind the scenes, I sustained an injury two weeks leading up to this match that prevented me to move and do my usual training, which also affected my mental strength and overall performance. But no regrets still, I know God has a bigger purpose for this loss. I may not understand it now but I need to trust that it was God’s protection to keep me safe from any further potential injury.”

In an interview with Paris Olympics broadcaster One Sports, an emotional Marcial admitted his future is uncertain whether he will still chase his gold medal dream in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics or now focus full time on the pros after blowing his “best chance” in Paris.

READ: Team Philippines in Paris Olympics 2024: Meet the athletes

Despite not a heartbreaking campaign, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist remained grateful to the Filipinos and proud to represent the country.

“I gave my all in that ring and regardless of the result, I am deeply grateful to all of the Filipinos who believed in me and supported me. I’m so proud to have been able to represent our country once again here at the Olympics. Thank you for all your prayers and words of encouragement,” Marcial said. “This is not the end of my journey.”

Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio advanced to the next round of their respective women’s competitions. Carlo Paalam and Hergie Bacdayan make their debut in the round of 16 of men’s 57kg and women’s 75kg divisions, respectively, on Wednesday.