CAGAYAN de Oro City — Eumir Marcial will miss the Asian Games despite his third-round knockout win in California, with Philippine boxing officials citing the tight travel schedule and concerns over his recovery.
The Zamboanga-born Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist stopped Mexican-American Omar Ulises Huerta at 1:54 of the third round in their middleweight bout at Pechanga Arena in San Diego on Sunday (Philippine time).
Marcial had only three days between his professional fight and the Asian Games, leaving little time for long-distance travel, adjustment to the 16-hour time difference and preparation for another high-level competition.
Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) President Marcus Manalo said the decision was made to protect Marcial’s health and safety.
Marcial, however, said he still felt ready to compete after the quick three-round fight.
“Ready pa ako. Three rounds lang 'yun, so parang lumaban lang ako sa amateur,” Marcial told U.S.-based photographer Jhay Otamias.
(I'm still ready. It was just three rounds, so it felt like an amateur fight.)
Manalo said Marcial’s willingness to compete was understood but stressed that athlete welfare must come first.
“Representing the Philippines is not only about stepping into the ring,” Manalo said. “It is also about making responsible decisions that protect our athletes.”
PH loses 80-kg entry
Marcial’s withdrawal leaves the Philippines without an entry in the men’s 80-kilogram division.
Alternate fighter Weljon Mindoro was also unavailable after suffering a knockout loss in California on Aug. 30.
The late withdrawal, coming before the official division draw, could also expose the Philippine Olympic Committee and ABAP to administrative sanctions from the Olympic Council of Asia.
Marcial won silver at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou and bronze at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.
He is expected to return to national team duty for the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, scheduled for Dec. 11–21.
