Filipino Olympic-bound boxer Eumir Marcial and his mother national sports association in the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) continues to exchange blows, as the Tokyo Olympics draw closer.
Marcial didn’t stand idly by after stumbling upon a statement from ABAP president Ricky Vargas in a newspaper report.
Marcial’s move made things sour for him and ABAP, as the 25-year-old boxer reportedly went by his own, making the communication lines between him and ABAP hard. He went to the United States last year in October to train and do a professional fight, and then came back here in the Philippines about two weeks ago.
“Until now I truly believe that you are the person who can understand us boxers better. I’ve been on the national team for 10 years already. Supposedly above everyone I know, I know that it is you who can understand our situations as boxers better,” Marcial wrote in a Facebook post, responding to Vargas’ statement.
“Since the first day that I entered the national team way back in 2011, I know that you are aware that my top priority has always been to give pride and honor to our country and as well as to help my family,” added the three-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist and former AIBA Youth Champion.
Marcial disclosed that he could have turned pro as early as 2018, but didn’t bite the bounty offers thrown at him so he can prioritize his duties as a national boxing athlete of the Philippines. Marcial, who signed with Pacquiao’s MP promotions, said that he even cancelled two professional fights just to focus on his Olympic stint.
“I have received various offers from different managers and promoters since 2018 but still, I chose to decline them. I have already cancelled two of my fights in professional boxing of which I can earn millions of pesos and yet instead I prioritized my fight in the Asian Championships even if I can’t earn as much because again, my top priority is to give honor to our country.
“Now, how can you say that my love for giving honor to the country is not my utmost priority? When in fact, the very first day I joined the national team, that’s what I wanted for myself, for my family, and for my beloved country the Philippines.”
This exchange between Marcial and ABAP started last week when Marcial said he hasn’t been receiving enough support from ABAP and the Philippine Sports Commission for his Olympic preparations.
PSC and ABAP responded that they’ve been continuously supporting Marcial even after he turned professional last year since he will represent the Philippines in the Tokyo Olympics.
Ravena offers financial help Marcial bared that basketball star Thirdy Ravena offered financial support for his preparations for the Tokyo Olympics in July.
The 25-year-old Marcial posted a side-by-side photo of him and Ravena with the latter’s message towards the former laid on it on Instagram on Sunday.
Ravena’s message reads: “Boss, kamusta. Sana okay naman yung training camp mo ngayon. Nakita ko yung post mo sa social media, gusto ko lang sana itanong kung pwede makitulong kahit maliit na halaga lang sa mga pangangailangan niyo. Gusto ko kayo manalo ng team niyo. (Boss, how are you? I hope you’re doing good at your training camp right now. I saw your post on social media, I would like to ask if I can be of help even with just a small amount of money for your team’s needs. I wish success for your team).”
Marcial was thrilled to share Ravena’s help, wishing that other Filipino athletes can emulate Ravena’s act.
