Eumir Marcial marches on, keeps Olympics in sight

FILE–Philippines’ Eumir Marcial. AFP

BAC NINH, VIETNAM—Eumir Felix Marcial remained in the hunt for the middleweight gold medal on Thursday following a smashing victory against a Thai foe in the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Marcial, the celebrated Olympian who has ventured into the pros, threw sledgehammers against a hapless Peerapat Yeasungnoen, forcing the Thai’s corner to throw in the towel midway through the second round.

And like his other big-dreaming compatriots, Marcial’s plans are bigger than a SEA Games gold.

“This is my first step to my goal of making the Olympics,” said Marcial. “I am confident that I can win my fourth SEA Games gold.”

He will aim for the men’s 75kg gold medal on Sunday against Delio Anzaqeci Mouzinho of Timor Leste, who scored a savage knockout win over Hun Kimheang of Cambodia in the second round. Hun had to be taken out of the gymnasium on a stretcher.

Rogen Ladon also made the finals of the flyweight (men’s 52kg) division besting Thailand’s Thanarat Saengphet. He will dispute the title against hometown bet Tran Van Thao.

But the Philippines suffered a big upset after World champion and five-time SEA Games champion Josie Gabuco lost to Chuthamat Raksat of Thailand in the women’s 48kg.

Four more Filipinos will vie for spots in the Finals of their respective weight classes on Friday.