By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Tokyo Olympics-bound boxer Eumir Marcial added another achievement in his career after advancing to the semifinals of the 2021 Asian Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships.
The newly turned professional moved up to the next stage via forfeiture victory after his opponent Otgonbaatar Byamba-Erdene of Mongolia was unable to make it due to an injury.
During Byamba-Erdene’s last fight, he suffered an injury against Iraq’s Ridha Talib Jabbar that gave the Filipino bet an easy path to the semis.
However, Marcial still has a long way to go and will face the other top boxers from Asia to rule the middleweight (75kg) division.
Filipino boxers Mark Lester Durens and Junmilardo Ogayre also joined Marcial as semifinalists after pulling off spectacular wins during the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, in the women’s light-flyweight division, five-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Josie Gabuco marched to the semis as well after receiving a bye during the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, Jere dela Cruz exited early after suffering defeat at the hands of Varinder Singh of India.
