National boxer Eumir Felix Marcial won’t let anything distract him from his ongoing preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics—not even his bid to to turn professional and the offers coming his way.
“Isa lang ang tinitiyak ko sa lahat, na ako ay lalaban sa Olympics at ibubuhos ang hanggang huling patak ng aking dugo at pawis makuha lang natin ang inaasam na Olympic gold,” said the 24-year-old Marcial in a statement.
While Marcial is training on his own during the ongoing lockdown to control the coronavirus pandemic, he is studying proposals being given him since he qualified for the Olympiad last Match.
To get a better understanding of the deals, he has asked lawyer Clint Aranas to help him handle his business affairs.
“Sa lahat ng nag-alok sa akin ng promotional at managerial deals, tinitiyak ko po na hinding-hindi po kayo naging ‘distraction’ sa paghahanda ko. Sa katunayan, isa kayo sa mga dahilan para mas maging pursigido ako na manalo sa Olympic qualifier,” remarked Marcial.
Marcial has not yet made a final decision if he will accept any professional offers.
“Hanggang ngayon ay patuloy pa po ang aking pagsusuri sa mga alok at mga posibleng kahihinatnan nito sakali man na pumasok ako sa professional boxing,” said Marcial.
Aranas said Marcial is torn between turning pro and staying as an amateur, but his decision to accept an offer can happen anytime, even after the Olympics.
“Sa una, naging makatotohanan po ako sa kanila sa pagsabi na nais ko muna tutukan ang pagkampanya sa Olympics. Ngunit kasabay pa din nito ay ang ginawa kong masusing pag-aaral sa mga nasabing offers,” added Marcial.
Marcial heaved a sigh of relief after the Philippine Sports Commission allowed him to continue receiving his allowance as an Olympic qualifier even if he turns professional.
The assurance came from commissioner Ramon Fernandez and deputy executive directory Guillermo Iroy.
“Until he signs that contract, I suppose, pro na siya,” said Fernandez.
The Alliance of Boxing Associations in the Philippines was elated to hear about the agency’s decision.
“I am happy for Eumir. Now, there is no more hindrance for his desire to turn professional. We wish him the best and if Eumir is willing and able when the Olympics come around, we will gladly welcome him to the line-up,” said ABAP president Ricky Vargas.
