EUMIR Marcial was dealt a crushing blow after he was forced to an early exit in the Paris Olympics boxing competitions.
One of the nation’s brightest hopes for a gold medal, Marcial was upended by a younger and taller Turabek Khabibullaev of Uzbekistan via unanimous decision in the men’s 80kg Round of 16 that ended the Filipino boxer’s bid to match - or even surpass - his bronze win in the Tokyo Olympics.
READ: Marcial bows out in Paris after being frustrated by Uzbek foe
In a post on social media, Marcial offered no excuses to the defeat, although he admitted he had been dealing with an injury in the weeks leading up to the Olympics. While he didn’t reveal any specifics on his post, he told ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo that he sustained a rib injury during a sparring session.
Despite his health status, Marcial said he never used his injury as a reason not to give his all in training in the final lead-up towards Paris.
“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,” wrote Marcial.
“But no regrets still. 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,” he added.
Not the end of Marcial's journey
Marcial said it has always been a dream of his to win an Olympic gold medal for the Philippines - so much so that he juggled his professional career to still be part of the national team, which makes the defeat all the more devastating.
“My fighting spirit has never once wavered for the Philippines,” said Marcial.
“I’m devastated and at 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.”
“But like I said there’s no excuses. The people know that it has always been my absolute dream to win the gold medal at the Olympics not just for myself, for my family, but most especially, for the Philippines.”
“I went to training every day with a mindset of winning the gold. I’ve put in the hard work and sacrificed so much for this dream, as far as putting my professional career on hold,” he continued.
Marcial furthered that he is proud to represent the Philippines in the Olympics, even though the result was far from the expectations of the Filipino people.
“I gave my all in that ring and regardless of the result, I am deeply grateful to all of the Filipinos who believed in me and supported me. I’m so proud to have been able to represent our country once again here at the Olympics. Thank you for all your prayers and words of encouragement," said Marcial.
“This is not the end of my journey.”
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