Eumir Felix Marcial pummels Kazakh, reaches middleweight final

MANILA, Philippines — Former AIBA World Junior champion Eumir Felix Marcial overwhelmed Tursynbay Kulakhmet of Kazakhstan, 5-0, Friday to earn a crack at the middleweight gold in the AIBA World Elite Men’s Boxing Championships in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

Marcial, 23, took command early by landing a jarring right-left combination that sent his third-seeded rival down in the middle of the opening round, setting the tone for the lopsided win.

Both fighters won the gold in the 2013 Asian Youth Championships in Subic Bay with the Filipino champ winning in the light welterweight class and the Kazakh topping the middleweight class.

But when they finally crossed paths in the 72 kg division, the Philippine Air Force mainstay made sure he would dominate and emerge on top.

The smashing triumph lined up the 2011 world junior champion against hometown hero Gleb Bakhshi for the coveted gold.

“We will go all out. I know it will be tough because I’m facing an opponent who is from here but I’m confident of my chances because I’m in great condition and well prepared,” said Marcial as relayed to The STAR by ABAP executive director Ed Picson.

ABAP president Ricky Vargas lauded Marcial for his strong performance in the event which serves as part of the Team Phl’s buildup for the SEA Games later this year.

“This is a happy development for our preparations for the SEA Games and (Tokyo) Olympics,” said Vargas, who also cited the Philippine Sports Commission for its support to the Filipino fighters.