Eumir Marcial trains with Manny Pacquiao at the Knuckleheads Boxing Gym in Las Vegas ahead of his fight vs Mario Barrios. –MARK GIONGCO/INQUIRER.net
LAS VEGAS–For now, Eumir Marcial isn’t thinking about the Olympics.
Marcial, a bronze medalist at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, on Saturday continues his pro campaign toward a world title shot in the undercard of Manny Pacquiao’s comeback fight against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at MGM Grand Garden Arena here.
“Right now, I’m focused on professional boxing. I tried competing at the Olympics. After the Tokyo Olympics, I went to Paris but the gold was just elusive,” said Marcial on Wednesday after sweating it out with Pacquiao at Knuckheads Gym.
READ: Training with Pacquiao gives Eumir Marcial extra push
Marcial cleared he’s not closing the door on a third Olympic stint that could happen as early as LA 2028.
“But as I always say, even sir Manny (Pacquiao), if I get an opportunity to represent the country in the Olympics, he would not hesitate. So if I get another chance, I’m still dreaming about winning that gold.”
The Filipino middleweight prospect is returning to the pro scene 16 months after knocking out Thai journeyman Thoedsak Sinam in Manila.
READ: Head-clear Eumir Marcial ready for biggest pro fight
Marcial couldn’t contain his excitement over fighting under a Pacquiao main event but vowed not to let his emotions get the better of him while also guarding against complacency.
“I’m not underestimating my opponent and think that I’m just going in there and knock him out because I know he and his team also prepared hard for this fight,” said Marcial, who stakes his unbeaten 5-0 record against American Bernard Joseph.
Marcial takes on the 35-year-old Joseph (11-2-1, 5KOs), a late replacement for Alexis Gaytan, in an eight-rounder at a 163-pound catchweight.
“I think my new opponent has more experience. He has a lot of experience. But no matter who I’m facing, I always make sure I’m ready to fight because in boxing, it only takes one punch to change the complexion of the fight.”
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A win for Marcial is another step in the right direction toward a world title shot.
“I don’t want to look too far ahead. I’m just taking it step-by-step, one at a time.”