Marcial to focus on pros
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 23 Jul 2025
Marcial (R) throws a right against Joseph.
Eumir Marcial said yesterday he’s unsure to fight in the SEA Games this December with his focus lasered on the pros and a possible appearance on the “Thrilla In Manila” Golden Anniversary card being staged by Manny Pacquiao at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Oct. 4. Fresh from a third round demolition of Bernard Joseph on the Pacquiao-Mario Barrios undercard in Las Vegas last weekend, Marcial said he’s ready to battle in his first 10-rounder. So far, Marcial has figured in two four-rounders, a sixer and three eight-rounders in compiling a 6-0 record with four KOs.
“Ang future ko is in the pros,” said Marcial. “Kinausap ako ni (POC president) Sir Bambol (Tolentino) at tinanong niya kung lalaban ako sa LA Olympics. ‘Di ko sure. Nag-serve na ako sa bansa ng two Olympics at pagkatapos ng ‘Thrilla In Manila,’ baka may laban uli ako sa December kaya may conflict sa SEA Games. One step at a time pero full-time sa pros. Long-term ang perspective ko ngayon.”
In preparing for Joseph, a late replacement for Alexis Gaytan, Marcial said he learned a lot training alongside Pacquiao in Los Angeles. He got valuable tips from Buboy Fernandez, Marvin Somodio and Joven Jimenez. For the fight, Jimenez was in his corner with Demler Zamora and Jhack Tepora. In Las Vegas, Marcial trains with Sean Gibbons’ Knucklehead Gym coach Kay Karoma.
“Ang dami kong natutunan kay Sir Manny,” he said. “Matured preparation, improved technique at huwag sobra ang training, dapat may rest at recovery ang katawan. Sa laban kay Joseph, nag-ingat ako sa ligaw na suntok, iwas injury sa headbutt. Noong bumagsak siya sa second round, ‘di ko pa tinodo. Sa third round, binuhos ko na. Pinilit niya tumayo pero ‘di nakayanan.”
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 14 Feb 2026WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 14 Feb 2026BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 13 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
Fri, 13 Feb 2026IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
Fri, 13 Feb 20263 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Fri, 13 Feb 2026Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Malaya Vibrations to play gig at 5th MFPI Mindanao Summit
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Fight of the Night in Thailand: Ador Torres and Sairike Tuolewutayi Battle to a Thrilling Draw
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026