Head-clear Eumir ready for biggest pro fight
Eumir Marcial has cleared himself of any needless distractions after nearly a year of layoff due to scathing domestic issues.
“All I need is to focus on my boxing career and trust the process,’’ said the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, vowing to stick to such a disposition as his slugfest with American Alexis Gaytan approaches.
They’ll be showcased in the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Mario Barrios fight on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, where the Filipino ring icon springs out of retirement.
Marcial is coming off a rocky marriage that left him bruised and battered last year, just after his setback in the Paris Olympics.
“I am thankful to all the people who support me despite all that happened. They never left me during my darkest days,’’ said Marcial, attributing the revival of his career to the guidance of Pacquiao and MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons.
The 29-year-old southpaw from Zamboanga City resumes his pro career undefeated in five professional fights, a streak Marcial intends to sustain against the 30-year-old Gaytan, who owns a win-loss record of 17-10 with six knockouts.
Marcial has even become extra motivated on his comeback trail since he’s been training with Pacquiao, the only eight-division champ in the sport, and former world champions Mark Magsayo and Jerwin Ancajas at Griffith Park and Wild Card gym in Los Angeles.
Also inserted in the Pacquiao-Barrios undercard is Magsayo, who will slug it out with Mexican Jorge Mata Cuellar.
Magsayo won his last three fights, capped by a second-round knockout victory over Ecuadorian Bryan Mercado in Long Beach, California, in December last year that hiked his record to 27-2, including 18 knockouts.
The 24-year-old Cuellar, however, is no wimp, having won 21 of his 25 trips atop the ring with 13 knockouts.
“Just to be around him really inspires us. We train together everyday and he (Pacquiao) never fails to provide valuable pointers,’’ said Marcial.
