Eumir Marcial's Signing with MP Promotions: A Welcome Development to Philippine Boxing

There's one unusual thing that most people don't know about professional boxers: they don't usually compete at the Olympics but yes, they are permitted to do so.

And while we have seen a few Filipino boxers punch their way in the Olympics with some like Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco, considered as an amateur boxer, even taking home a silver medal form the men's light flyweight division of the 1996 Olympics in the United States, we have yet to see a Filipino professional boxer to win a gold medal. In the Olympics.

Fortunately for Filipino boxing fans, Eumir Marcial's newly-signed contract might just help Marcial in his quest for the gold medal in next year's Tokyo Olympics.

25-year old Eumir Marcial, who started boxing at the age of six, just signed a six-year professional contract with the Manny Pacquiao (MP) Promotions. In a statement posted on his Facebook page, the silver medalist in the 2019 International Boxing Association (AIBA) World Boxing Championships that clinched his ticket to Tokyo, said that he chose MP Promotions because of their 100% support for his dream to fight for the country in future competitions such as the Asian Games and yes, the Olympics.

What makes Marcial's first contract with MP Promotions is that Marcial will be allowed to continue joining the national team as an amateur boxer even though he just signed a professional deal which in effect, will not be a hindrance in Marcial's desire to fight in the Olympics. This development is good for Philippine boxing and more importantly, for Marcial's career in the ring as it will open more opportunities for Marcial to learn especially with MP Promotions being owned by Senator Manny Pacquiao, the legendary Filipino boxer who remains in the conversation as one of the greatest boxers of all-time. But more than the opportunity by one of boxing's all-time greats, Marcial's new deal makes him the next big thing in Philippine boxing as he is set to join the ranks of the current Filipino world champions like Pedro Tadruan, Johnriel Casimeor, and Jerwin Ancjas. 

Who knows? We might eventually see more amateur Filipino boxers join the ranks of Marcial et all as Filipinos who want not only to learn under the guidance of the Pac-Man but, grow furthermore into a great boxer we fans can be proud of cheering for. 

Photo is from Head Topics