POC urges Olympian-turned-pro to keep eyes on prize

THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) hopes that Tokyo Games-bound Eumir Felix Marical will keep his eyes on the prize of bringing home the Philippine’s first Olympic gold medal even after turning pro and signing up with MP Promotions for a four-year deal with a two-year extension if he becomes a world champion.

POC President Abraham Tolentino believes that the 24-year-old native of Zamboaga City will gain an edge in striking gold by sharpening his skills in the professional circuit under Manny Pacquiao’s boxing promotion agency.

“Basta huwag lang niyang pababayaan ‘yung Olympic gold campaign, okay lang ‘yan (As long as he does not neglect the Olympic gold campaign, turning pro is fine),” Tolentino told The Manila Times in a phone interview on Sunday.

“Baka nga maging practice pa niya ‘yun kung mapalaban siya bago mag-Olympics. Pampatibay pa ng morale at pampatibay pa ng katawan niya (If he has a fight before the Olympics, it might even serve as practice for him. It will also strengthen his morale and his physique),” he explained.

Marcial has always made it clear that the main reason why he turned professional is to hone his boxing skills for the Olympics, which will occur from July 23 to Aug. 8, 2021.

“Puro practice ‘yan at eight to 10 rounds na laban. Malaking advantage ‘pag nag-Olympics siya ng three rounds. [At saka] ‘yung fighting spirit niya [tataas] (Those will all involve practices and eight- to 10-round fights. When he competes in Olympic boxing with three rounds, that’s a big advantage),” added the POC president.

Tolentino also spoke about the POC’s 10 a.m. virtual meeting, wherein the executive board’s agenda was constitutional amendments. Among the proposals up for discussion were the prohibition from holding the presidency of more than one sports governing body; the abolishing of the national sports association, as it was no longer recognized by the international federation; and the disqualification of those who were 70 years old and above from seeking positions in national sports bodies. If and when approved, the amendments would be presented to the general assembly for ratification.

“‘Yung report sa constitutional amendments at pag–uusapan ‘yan ng board. Puwedeng matalo ‘yan doon o manalo (And the board will also discuss the report on constitutional amendments. That can be approved or disapproved),” he said. “SEA (Southeast Asian) Games and other reports are the other reports.”

Headed by Tolentino; Ricky Vargas, former POC president; Steve Hontiveros, POC chairman; and Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworkski, Philippine representative to the International Olympic Committee, the voting involved 13 officials, including Joey Romasanta, POC first vice president; Jeff Tamayo, POC second vice president; Julian Camacho, POC treasurer; Jonne Go, POC auditor; and Ed Gastanes, POC secretary general as well as Clint Aranas, Cynthia Carrion and Butch Pichay, board members.