The 25 year-old boxer dedicated most of his youth to sports, but for him, it’s all worth it
This is not a first time for Eumir Felix Marcial to bring honor to his country. He fought and represented the Philippines in 2015, 2017, and 2019 Southeast Asian Games and at the 2011 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships in Astana where he won gold medals. His life may be different from most people his age, but Marcial wouldn’t have it any other way.
Marcial, who’s also a Philippine Air Force personnel, started boxing as early as 7 years old. He counts his cousin, Rocky Marcial, who became a WBO Oriental Champion, as his inspiration. He recalled the times his cousin would be the talk of the town, and had traveled because of his sport. That left a mark on young Eumir, and promised to himself he will be like him one day. Of course, Marcial was not alone in this dream; his father was there from the start, supporting him and training him until he became the professional boxer that he is today. In return, he dedicates his every fight to his father, promising him that one day, he will bring home the Olympic gold.
Just like all sacrifices borne out of good intentions, they will not be in vain because Marcial’s dream is closer to reality now as he’s one of the Filipino delegates that will compete in Tokyo Olympics. Not only that, but he will also be the new flag bearer alongside judoka Kiyomi Watanabe. He replaced pole vaulter, Ernest Obiena, due to a new protocol announced that flag bearers must be in Tokyo 48 hours before the sporting event on July 23. Obiena was scheduled to arrive in Japan on the same day.
Watch the full interview of Eumir Marcial here as he shares more on what is the hardest and the best part of being an athlete and where he draws his strength for every punch.
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