CHICAGO - While covering Kai Sotto in the NBA Summer League last July 2023, I took a nine-mile Uber ride from my hotel to a sweatshop along South Fort Apache road in Las Vegas.
By the time I got there around 10 a.m., Eumir Marcial was already halfway through his morning routine, his body glistening with sweat while he pummeled a swaying, indefatigable punching bag.
Guiding Eumir was Kompa Korona, Coach Kay to his fighters, a former pro turned trainer whose famous clients include world welterweight titlist Shakur Stevenson.
READ Golovkin's advice to Eumir Marcial? He's better off in the pros
As the session progressed, Eumir skipped rope, hammered a speed bag and shadow boxed while coach Kay, a drill sergeant-sweet science professor rolled into one, kept spewing pointers on defense and punch placement.
Obviously, Eumir had put in the necessary work. He got a great coach in his corner, a terrific manager in Sean Gibbons, and a solid support group led by Marcial's wife, Princess.
SADNESS, DISAPPOINTMENT.
Eumir, an undefeated pro, was extremely prepared and ready to brawl for that childhood dream of winning an Olympic gold.
But Paris, the City of Light, dimmed Marcial's hopes after he lost his opening bout to a rangy Turabek Khabibullaev of Uzbekistan.
As best he could, Marcial attempted to pierce through the Uzbek's defense and stiff jabs, but he couldn't. A rib injury he sustained two weeks prior wouldn't let him.
It's not an excuse, just an explanation Eumir felt he had to give considering the giant expectations that were attached to his name especially after winning a bronze medal in the Tokyo Games.
Another factor in the defeat was the abolition of the middleweight division (65 kgs) which forced Eumir to fight in the light heavyweight class (75 kgs) this time around.
OUT OF HIS COMFORT ZONE.
That's roughly a scale of 22 pounds away from the natural weight where he is most comfortable.
And in fairness to Khabibullaev, the 20-year old fought his brains out and didn't seem to be intimidated by his opponent's more glitzy name and credentials.
Except for Pakistan and Afghanistan, boxers from places whose name ends in stan - Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Dagestan - are bad ass. They eat their combat sports the way we devour rice.
With the painful, unexpected early exit, the pride of Zamboanga reaches a fork in the road.
Now 28, should he pursue another run for a gold in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles at age 32?
Or, will the multi-medalist just concentrate on his promising pro career?
Knowing how much he loves to represent the Philippines and how much he desires to also become a world champion, it's not going to be an easy decision.
This is what's clear for now. The last two Olympics have shown that a dual pursuit is not an easy thing to juggle at the highest levels of the sport.
What would Eumir Marcial do?
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