By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Tagged as the “next big thing in Philippine boxing,” Eumir Marcial’s dream of turning professional will finally materialize as he is set for a bout against American Andrew Whitfield.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifier has been training under the helm of the great coach Freddie Roach for two months now.
“Turning professional is an important step in my journey to the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. A lot of the fighters I may face in the Olympics have already turned pro so my professional training with Freddie will keep me at their level of experience when we battle in the Olympics,” Marcial said.
The 25-year-old boxing sensation will face American Whitfield in a four-round middleweight slugfest.
Whitfield holds an impressive 3-1 professional record and is expected to be heavily favored over Marcial.
Although supporters are eager to see Marcial in his professional debut, the Pinoy boxing sensation reiterated that the ultimate goal is still to win the Olympic gold medal for the Philippines.
“But my ultimate goal has always been to make my dad’s dream a reality, a dream he has had since my first amateur fight, to win an Olympic gold medal. That is the prize I have in my eyes. I want to be the first to bring Olympic gold back to the Philippines,” added Marcial.
