Olympian Eumir Marcial loses eldest brother
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 17 Oct 2020
Tragedy struck the family of national boxing team mainstay Eumir Felix Marcial just days into his Olympic preparations in Los Angeles, California.
Eliver Marcial, the eldest of the Marcial siblings, died after collapsing early morning of Saturday in Cavite. He was 39.
Eliver, who got stranded in Eumir’s residence in Cavite since the country implemented the Luzon-wide lockdown in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was set to take a flight Saturday morning and return to their hometown in Zamboanga to be with his wife and six kids.
“Masaya pa siya noong Friday ng gabi tapos excited na yung parents ko lalo na yung asawa niya pati mga anak niya. Masakit talaga sa akin kasi close kami magkakapatid,” said a sobbing Marcial.
MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons immediately offered to arrange a flight back to the Philippines for Marcial.
But the Filipino Olympian decided to remain in the US and dedicate all his efforts to his brother as he has now started his training under the tutelage of famed trainer Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California.
“Ang parents ko, mga kapatid, lahat kami sa pamilya, bata pa lang ako talagang walang pinag-usapan kami kungdi makuha yung Olympic gold. Kausap pa ni kuya si Princess (Eumir’s fiancée) kagabi sabi niya sana makuha ko na ang Olympic gold tapos maging world champion ako,” disclosed Marcial who is the youngest of five siblings.
“Dito na lang muna ako kasi wala na din naman magagawa sa nangyari. Mas lalo ko naging inspirasyon kuya ko. Ito din naman ang gusto niya, maging ready ako sa Olympics,” added Marcial.
Eumir’s girlfriend Princess Galarpe together with the boxer’s cousin Anthony rushed Eliver to the Ospital ng Imus minutes after he vomited and experienced difficulty in breathing early Saturday.
“Nagsalu-salu na kami lahat kagabi kasi nga pauwi na siya. Siya pa nag-ayos lahat gamit niya pati mga laruan para sana sa mga anak niya. Tapos ganun na nga nangyari, tinakbo namin agad siya sa ospital pero sabi ng doctor dead on arrival na siya,” said Galarpe.
The cause of death of Eumir’s eldest brother was still undetermined as of Saturday morning. His remains will lie at Marcial’s residence in Cavite before being flown to Zamboanga.
The incident ruined what was supposed to be an awe-inspiring day for the Olympian Marcial as his brother’s death happened one day after he was assured by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) of their full support.
Marcial, who will turn 25 this Oct. 29, had a fruitful video conference with PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez Friday morning, Manila time.
The Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) has also recently completed the needed requirements for Marcial to receive his incentive from the PSC for winning the gold in the Asian Olympic qualifier held last March in Amman, Jordan.
Marcial signed a promotional deal with Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions last July but is still eligible to campaign in the Olympics as the quadrennial meet has opened its doors to professional boxers since the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
The Tokyo Olympic Games will happen July 23 to August 8, 2021.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
"When one goes to war we all go to war!" – Owen Corrigan challenges Mad Dog Micah Rivetti for Light Heavyweight title May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Crocs FC wins 3 titles in Football sa Bayan
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Chess Kings Ready to Battle in Pacquiao 3x3 Chess Team Tournament at Lica Malls 500 Shaw
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Manguyab to debut in RFL
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Simsri Crushes Mendoza, Retains IBF 108-lbs Title; Could A Filipino Challenger Fight Simsri Next? (Analysis)
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Manny Pacquiao and Jas Mathur via Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announce Nine-Figure Team Boxing League Partnership, Launching Manny Pacquiao’s San Diego TJ’s Franchise
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Pabular loses by a split decision
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026DFBC dominates in Invitational Doubles
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Santisima Faces Undefeated Grigoryan for IBF Asia Title in Russia
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Jenn Perella excited to be fighting in front of family & friends on ‘Rumble at the Rink II’
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Angel Barrientes Training Camp Notes
Mon, 13 Apr 2026DFBC sweeps Dubai Filipino bowlfest
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 13 Apr 2026Middleweight Contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. Dominates Omar Huerta in Main Event at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City & Live on ProBoxTV
Mon, 13 Apr 2026Sergio Martinez returns with a victory at 51
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 13 Apr 2026Team USA Secures Three Gold Medals on Final Day of 2026 Gee Bee Boxing Tournament
Mon, 13 Apr 2026