Marcial’s pa confident son can clinch Olympic gold

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The parents of Zamboangueño boxer Eumir Felix Marcial erupted in cheers after their son defeated his first opponent in the round of 16 men’s middleweight division in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The family, led by his parents Eulalio and Carmelita Marcial, watched the fight livestreamed over national television with high hopes of Eumir bagging another gold medal for the country.

Eumir defeated his opponent in the first round through a referee-stopped contest 19 seconds before the bell after initially sending to the canvas Algeria’s Younes Nemouchi on Thursday at the Kokugikan Arena.

Although they were a small group watching the contest privately, the family applauded and cheered when Eumir knocked down Younes and outpointed the Algerian during the rest of the round.

Eulalio said that while he was used to the fighting style of his son, the moves shown by Eumir during the fight gave them more confidence that he could beat his opponents.

“It has been his dream for his father and his elder brother who recently passed away to get the gold in the Olympics. And I know he is really determined to get the gold,” Carmelita said.

Eulalio said the six opponents that his son defeated during the recent world boxing championship, wherein Eumir settled for silver, were even tougher.

The Marcials reminded their son to be cautious and stay focused in his fight and avoid overconfidence.

“We asked him to keep praying to God because if that victory is for him it is really for him. God’s will,” Carmelita said.

Eumir, the youngest of five siblings, has been into boxing since he was eight years old.

It was his uncle Anthony “Rocky” Marcial, also a boxer, who motivated him to take up the sport.

Eumir’s debut in the ring was a local match sponsored by a beer company.