By Dion Mikhail Fetalvero

PHOTO: Sean Michael Ham/Premier Boxing Champions via ABS-CBN News

Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial is expected to make a return to professional boxing after securing an undercard match for the Erickson Lubin-Sebastian Fundora super welterweight event at the Virgins Hotel in Las Vegas, April 9.

This will be Marcial’s second-ever appearance in the professional scene after defeating American Andrew Whitifield almost two years ago via unanimous decision.

Aiming to bring his Olympic experience in the ring, the Filipino boxer will face-off against American middleweight Isiah Hart, who currently has a 6-2-1 win-loss-draw record and is represented by the PAL Athletic League.

The declaration of the match was made on March 22 by MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons on the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) forum.

During the session, Gibbons also gave insights to Marcial’s current state of affairs and his recent training adjustments in preparation for the upcoming bout.

“He (Marcial) has been doing wonderfully. Training-wise this is the best place for him,” the MP Promotions president said.

It may be recalled that last February, news broke about the Zamboanga-native’s shift to Las Vegas under the supervision of Jorge Capetillo at the Top Rank gym.

“I was with him (Marcial) in Las Vegas and he was sparring with all the world-class guys at the Top Rank gym, sparring eight rounds. If he was in the shape that he is today when he fought in the Olympics, he would have taken the gold medal in a heartbeat,” the American added.

If the 26-year-old boxer proves to be successful in his April fight, Gibbons expects Marcial to become more active in the professional scene for the year.

“He’s (Marcial) going to be more active and have three to four more fights this year. Possibly one in Manila if the conditions are good.”


Edited by Jostle Doen Pilayre