Marcial (R) throws a right against Joseph.
Eumir Marcial said yesterday he’s unsure to fight in the SEA Games this December with his focus lasered on the pros and a possible appearance on the “Thrilla In Manila” Golden Anniversary card being staged by Manny Pacquiao at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Oct. 4. Fresh from a third round demolition of Bernard Joseph on the Pacquiao-Mario Barrios undercard in Las Vegas last weekend, Marcial said he’s ready to battle in his first 10-rounder. So far, Marcial has figured in two four-rounders, a sixer and three eight-rounders in compiling a 6-0 record with four KOs.
“Ang future ko is in the pros,” said Marcial. “Kinausap ako ni (POC president) Sir Bambol (Tolentino) at tinanong niya kung lalaban ako sa LA Olympics. ‘Di ko sure. Nag-serve na ako sa bansa ng two Olympics at pagkatapos ng ‘Thrilla In Manila,’ baka may laban uli ako sa December kaya may conflict sa SEA Games. One step at a time pero full-time sa pros. Long-term ang perspective ko ngayon.”
In preparing for Joseph, a late replacement for Alexis Gaytan, Marcial said he learned a lot training alongside Pacquiao in Los Angeles. He got valuable tips from Buboy Fernandez, Marvin Somodio and Joven Jimenez. For the fight, Jimenez was in his corner with Demler Zamora and Jhack Tepora. In Las Vegas, Marcial trains with Sean Gibbons’ Knucklehead Gym coach Kay Karoma.
“Ang dami kong natutunan kay Sir Manny,” he said. “Matured preparation, improved technique at huwag sobra ang training, dapat may rest at recovery ang katawan. Sa laban kay Joseph, nag-ingat ako sa ligaw na suntok, iwas injury sa headbutt. Noong bumagsak siya sa second round, ‘di ko pa tinodo. Sa third round, binuhos ko na. Pinilit niya tumayo pero ‘di nakayanan.”
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