Eumir Marcial claims ABAP support lacking

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

2021 Tokyo Olympics qualifier Eumir Marcial revealed that he felt he isn’t receiving the much-needed support in his quest to clinch the boxing gold medal.

Signing with the Manny Pacquiao (MP) Promotions to pursue his dream of becoming a professional, Marcial already flew to the United States and will be starting his training with the legendary boxing maestro, coach Freddie Roach.

However, Marcial bared that the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) is not fulfilling its promise of a full-time support, adding that for almost two months now, all they do is train virtually.

“Malapit na ‘yung Olympics and until now, puro virtual training lang kami sa ABAP. Bilang respeto sa kanila (ABAP), naghintay lang ako ng ano ba plano nila sa akin kasi nga, qualified na ako sa Olympics at isip ko, under pa din ako ng ABAP. Halos two months na ako nag-coordinate sa kanila pero parang wala pa din plano sa akin kaya nagdesisyon na ako na mag-training sa US,” said Marcial.

Also, Marcial shared that he asked for the services and guidance of his Australian boxing coach, Don Abnet and national team coach Ronald Chavez ahead of his US flight but the request was not granted.

“Siguro nga masama loob ng ABAP o kung ano man ang dahilan nila kaya sila ganiyan kasi nga nag-pro na ako,” added Marcial.

ABAP meanwhile took exception to Marcial’s statements, ABAP said, “I don’t understand what Eumir is complaining about. Despite our pleas for him to start fighting as a professional after the Olympics, he decided to embark on a pro career at this stage. We wanted to help him in the transition but he refused our offers to assist him in that process,” said ABAP president Ricky Vargas.