Eumir Marcial sits out 2026 Asian Games after latest pro win

POWER. Eumir Marcial in action for the Philippines in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.

POC Media Pool

Eumir Marcial is skipping this Asian Games edition owing to the 'tight timeline' that requires him to promptly fly to Nagoya, Japan, from San Diego, United States, where he scored a third-round knockout win over Omar Ulises Huerta

MANILA, Philippines – The power Eumir Marcial showcased in his latest professional fight will not be on display at the Asian Games.

The Olympic bronze medalist is sitting out this edition of the continental showpiece owing to the “tight timeline” that requires him to promptly fly to Nagoya, Japan, from San Diego, United States, where he scored a third-round knockout win over Omar Ulises Huerta on Saturday, September 19 (Sunday, September 20, Manila time), to keep his professional record unblemished at 8-0.

Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines president Marcus Jarwin Manalo said he spoke to Marcial after the bout, and they agreed that it would be best for the pride of Zamboanga to skip the Asian Games and allow himself to rest and recover. 

“It would be very hard for him to immediately transition from a professional fight in the US, into long-distance travel to Nagoya with 16-hour time difference, and then into another high-level boxing competition with such a short recovery period,” Manalo said in a statement released on Sunday. 

“Boxing is a physically demanding and inherently risky sport, and adequate time to rest and recover is extremely important, and we do not want to compromise Eumir’s health and safety because of the tight timeline.” 

Losing Marcial is a major blow to the Philippines’ hopes of ending a 16-year gold-medal drought in Asian Games boxing, considering his performances in the last two editions.

Marcial fell short of gold in the 2023 staging in Hangzhou, China, where he suffered a contentious unanimous decision loss to home bet Tuohetaerbieke Tanglatihan in the men’s 80kg final.

He also bagged bronze in the men’s 75kg class at the 2018 edition in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

But for Manalo, it was a necessary move, with Marcial’s long-term career in mind.

“Eumir himself was very much looking forward to the opportunity to represent the flag once again. This is therefore a difficult decision for everyone involved,” said Manalo. 

“However, representing the Philippines is not only about stepping into the ring. It is also about making responsible decisions that protect our athletes and allow them to have long, healthy careers.” 

Marcial is still slated to represent the country at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December. 

“We sincerely hope for understanding that this decision was made with Eumir’s best interests in mind. His commitment to Philippine boxing and to representing the country has never been in question,” said Manalo. – Rappler.com