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| Eumir Marcial revealing having to fight his Uzbek opponent hurt. From Marcial's Facebook page |
MAKATI--Eumir Marcial, one of the Filipino athletes tipped by many to win a medal in the Paris Olympics, found himself crashing out of the men's 80-kilogram boxing event following an upset loss to Uzbekistan's Turabek Khabibullaev early Wednesday at the North Paris Arena.
In a result many did not see coming, the 28-year-old Zamboanga native, the bronze medalist in the 2021 edition in Tokyo, was eliminated in the round of 16 after a round of 32 bye following a unanimous decision defeat to the 20-year-old Uzbek youngster.
"I’m devastated and at a loss for words. It’s a tough loss, I do not know how to explain this loss to all the Filipinos who believed in me and supported me. It’s a difficult place to be in, no one really prepares to lose," Marcial said in a statement via Facebook.
Although he clarified that there were no excuses for his defeat, Marcial revealed that an injury slowed him down late into his training camp.
"Not many people know but behind the scenes, I sustained an injury two weeks leading up to this match that prevented me to move and do my usual training, which also affected my mental strength and overall performance," he further said, although he did not specify what injury he suffered.
"I know God has a bigger purpose for this loss. I may not understand it now but I need to trust that it was God’s protection to keep me safe from any further potential injury."
After missing out on the elusive Olympic boxing gold for the second straight Olympiad, uncertainty now arises if Marcial, currently 5-0 in the pro ranks, will now focus solely on his pro career or give the Olympics one more try in Hollywood in 2028.
Although he kept mum on his next endeavor, Marcial further stated, "This is not the end of my journey."
Despite the early exit, Marcial said that he was proud to represent the Philippines again in the Olympics.
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
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