Philippines' Eumir Felix Marcial (in red) connects with a punch on Uzbekistan's Turabek Khabibullaev in the men's 80kg preliminaries round of 16 boxing match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the North Paris Arena, in Villepinte on July 30, 2024. Mohd Rasfan, AFP
MANILA -- After experiencing a setback at the Paris Olympics, Eumir Marcial says he's gearing up for an even greater comeback.
The 28-year-old boxer said he will return to the ring, drawing motivation from the outpouring of support from his family and fans.
"Sobrang na-appreciate ko yung pagbigay nila sa akin ng encouraging message. Andaming nagmemessage even sa mga lugar na pinupuntahan ko, parang feel ko nanalo ako ng gold. Kasi para sa kanila panalo ako and excited sila sa next career ko na which is yung pro," he told ABS-CBN News on the sidelines of a sports brand apparel event.
"Yun po yung nagbigay sa akin ng inspirasyon na kailangan kong magpatuloy dahil andiyan yung mga taong naniniwala at sumusuporta sa akin. Lalo na yung pamilya ko na yung pangarap nila sa buhay nila, eh yun na yung pangarap ko din. So kung hihinto po ako, parang nawalan din sila ng pangarap. Kaya sabi ko tuloy ang laban. Tuloy parin ang laban," Marcial added.
READ: Olympic journey ends for Eumir Marcial after loss to Uzbek foe
He admitted he was quite depressed and considered hanging up his gloves after the heartbreaking loss in Paris.
Marcial remembered all his sacrifices starting from after the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 leading up to Paris this year. However, fate had other plans for him.
"Hindi yun [gold] yung naging resulta dahil sa unang laban palang natalo kaagad ako. So ayun kumbaga sabi ko, paano pa? Paano pa ako magsimula ulit? Magsisimula nanaman ako doon iimprove yung skill ko, iimprove yung lahat? Eh ginawa ko yun three years pero pag dating dito, nine minutes lang natalo kaagad ako. Mabigat po as in sobrang bigat," he shared.
"Para akong tinanggalan ng pangarap. Nawala yung pangarap ko dahil lang doon sa isang laban na yun. Doon lahat natapos. Yung feeling na doon natapos yung boxing career ko. Yun yung feeling ko that time," Marcial added.
The Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist had to put the brakes on his pro career and stay in the amateur ranks to be able to qualify for the Olympics.
With the next Summer Games still four years away, Marcial believes now is the best time to focus on his pro career.
"Magfofocus ako sa professional career ko dahil hindi na ako babata eh. Kailangan ko sulitin ito, ibigay yung time sa professional career ko. Kasi especially dito sa pro, very important yung age din eh. Habang malakas ako, ito yung peak ko ngayon," he said.
The 28-year-old said it's easier to bounce back in the pro ranks, compared to getting another shot at the Olympics.
"Sa professional kung matalo ka, you have another chance to win. After three months pwede ka ulit lumaban. After how many months nasa ranking ka na ulit, pwede ka na mag world title. Pero dito sa Olympics is every four years lang ito eh," he said.
While boxing remains in limbo for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Marcial said he remains optimistic the sport will be included in the program.
READ: Petecio, Marcial optimistic boxing will be part of 2028 Olympics in LA
He will stay in the pro ranks for now, at least until the qualifiers season draws near.
"Sabihin natin like three years from now, kahit world champion na ako andun ako sa ranking. May one year pa ako para kahit isang tournament lang eh. Lumaban ako ng isang tournament, nag qualify ako pwede parin ako mag represent sa LA Olympics," he said.
Marcial said he will be back in the ring in December, but did not disclose who he will face or where the match will be held.
"Sa lahat ng mga Pilipino at naniniwala sa akin, abangan niyo po ako sa darating na laban ko ngayong December. Hindi ko pa nadidisclose lahat ng details pero by December po makikita niyo na ulit ako sa boxing ring. Let's go," he added.
Marcial's last pro bout was in March when he knocked out his Thai opponent.
As a pro boxer, the Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist holds a 5-0 win-loss record.
READ: Eumir Marcial knocks out Thai foe in fourth round
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