With Manny Pacquiao in his corner, Eumir Felix Marcial is hoping to become the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medallist
- The big, stocky Filipino has already qualified for next year’s Tokyo Games after winning all four of his bouts at the Asia-Pacific qualifiers in Jordan
- The middleweight has signed a six-year promotional deal with his idol and is expected to make his pro debut this autumn in the US
Manny Pacquiao probably sees a bit of himself when he signed Philippines Olympic gold medal prospect Eumir Felix Marcial to his stable this week to much hullabaloo.
The 24-year-old Marcial has turned professional and couldn’t think of a better stable to work under than the eight-weight division world champion Pacquiao’s banner – MP Promotions. It boasts three world champions – WBO bantamweight John Riel Casimero, IBF super flyweight Jerwin Ancajas and IBF minimumweight Pedro Taduran.
Middleweight stand-out Marcial, who hails from Zamboanga City, signed a six-year promotional deal.
Southpaw Marcial – like Pacquiao – could be the jewel in the crown in Pacquiao’s stable, judging by his performances in the amateur ranks.
The man they call the “new Pacquiao” is expected to make his professional debut this autumn in the US, but the tall (1.73m), stocky Marcial is keeping a promise to his father, Eulalio, that he will compete in next year’s Tokyo Games, aiming to make history as the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medallist in any sport.
