Posted by ReyFort Media
AFTER the first pleasant surprise—his inclusion among the Filipino athletes set to see action in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, two-time Olympic veteran boxer Eumir Marcial is now out to make the most of that rare chance.
With another pro pugilist in Weljon Mindoro, and the likes of Tokyo and Paris Games medalists Nesthy Petectio and Aira Villegas, and Hergie Bacyadan suiting up in women’s play, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed confidence in Team Philippines’ campaign in the Dec. 9 to 20 biennial meet in the capital city of Bangkok and Songkhla and Chonburi.
“The inclusion of the two professional boxers in the SEA Games in Bangkok is definitely big for us. It will be a podium finish for the two,” Tolentino said yesterday during a press conference at the posh Sentro 177 Restaurant and Events Place in Capitol Commons in Pasig. “Huwag muna nating sabihing ginto pero siguradong pipilitin nating ginto iyan
“Alam naman ninyo ang mga record nitong dalawa sa professional boxing and also, ngayon lang nag-confirm, Hergie will also play for the women’s division 70kg,” the amiable POC chief added.
Also aching to prove their worth in the men’s side are Jay Bryan Baricuatro (48kg), Marvin Tolentino (51kg), Flint Jara (54kg), Ian Clark Bautista (57kg), and Junmilardo Ogayre (60kg).
Marcial and Mindoro will vie in the 80kg and 75 kg weight classes, respectively.
Petectio (60kg), Villegas (50kg), Bacyadan (70kg), Ofelia Magno (48kg), Claudine Veloso (54kg), and Rizal Pasuit (57kg) complete the women’s bets.
“Dito kasi siyempre marami kaming athletes na kumbaga isa ang intention, makakuha ng gold. Hindi lang naman gold, lahat gusto makakuha ng medal,” Marcial said in the event graced by POC secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan and Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines secretary-general Marcus Manalo.
“So medyo pressured, but I think same lang naman sa professional dahil Philippines din naman ang dala naming,” he added.
The Philippines emerged fifth overall with 58 gold, 85 silver, and 117 bronze medals in the last edition of the prestigious regional sports spectacle in Cambodia in 2023.
Tolentino thanked Manny Pacquiao Promotions head Sean Gibbons, who manages Marcial, and expressed gratitude for doing it for flag and country.
“Parang ano lang iyan, sa basketball natin, tsaka volleyball. Ang basketball natin, kung saan sila naglalaro, whether they’re playing Korea or Japan, not only in the Philippines ‘di ba? Kapag Olympics ‘di ba mga team ng US balikan na iyong mga NBA doon sa bansa nila kasi tinatawag na sila ng bansa nila to represent the country so ganito rin ang boxers natin” he said. “Kailangan ng bansa, para sa bansa, kung kaya nating ibandera ang bansa.
“So, nagpapasalamat kami sa managers nila kay Sean Gibbons so salamat pinagbigyan tayo. Parang sa volleyball natin, pinagbigyan din ng mga commercial (teams).”
With medals in sight, these pugs are ready to rumble. (M. Jugado/ Malaya)
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