The Philippine boxing team could be facing sanctions from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) if it fails to field a boxer in the men’s 80kg division—the weight category in which Eumir Marcial is supposed to fight in the 20th Asian Games.
That possibility arose when Marcial was booked for a professional bout against Omar Ulises Huerta on September 19, just one day before the boxing draw in Nagoya. In response, the team initially planned to send another pro fighter, Weljon Mindoro, as a replacement. Mindoro had previously won bronze in the 75kg category at the 2025 SEA Games.
However, that plan collapsed after Mindoro suffered a brutal TKO loss to Carlos Ocampo at the end of August. For a while, it looked like Mindoro would prevail, but Ocampo turned the tide in the middle rounds before hammering the Filipino to finish the bout.
Marcial Is the Final Hope
With Mindoro out, the Philippine boxing team is now banking on Marcial to either dispatch Huerta quickly or emerge from the fight without serious damage. The two‑time Olympian certainly has the power for an early finish, but he remains cautious and focused on his professional bout.
“Depende kung ano maging resulta ng laban,” Marcial said, according to veteran scribe Quinito Henson. “Hindi ko na muna iniisip na makahabol sa Asian Games.”
If Marcial cannot make it, ABAP will have to withdraw from the 80kg category, which could trigger repercussions for the Philippine Olympic Committee.
“No choice. We’ll withdraw from the 80kg men’s event if Eumir can’t go,” said ABAP president Marcus Manalo. “If Eumir won’t make it, it will likely be due to a medical reason and that’s what we’ll present to OCA. You can’t pull out from a weight class last minute because POC will face disciplinary action from OCA. Sana no injuries in his fight. If Eumir is fit to box, hahabol siya.”
Philippine Boxing Team Deep in Training
The Philippine boxing team bound for Nagoya includes Carlo Paalam, Junmilardo Ogayre, Norlan Petecio, Aira Villegas, Riza Pasuit, and Nesthy Petecio. They are currently in Bangkok, Thailand, ramping up preparations before flying to Nishio City for further training ahead of the Games, where they are looking to break the country’s gold-medal drought.
Joining the team are coaches Kevin Smith, Ronald Chavez, Mitchel Martinez, Elmer Pamisa, and Gerson Nietes, along with sparring partners Aaron Bado and John Vicera.
