Filipino boxers

Eumir Marcial wins first pro fight in lopsided style

Roy Luarca

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Eumir Marcial wins first pro fight in lopsided style

DOMINANT. Eumir Marcial (left) impresses in his pro debut against Andrew Whitfield.

Photo from Sean Gibbons/MP Promotions

Olympic bet Eumir Marcial displays speed, accuracy, and power that underscored his potential to be a world-beater

Eumir Marcial gave a glimpse of what lies ahead when he dominated Andrew Whitfield in his first pro fight on Wednesday, December 16 (Thursday, December 17, Philippine time).

Unleashing jabs, straights, and hooks, Marcial had the American’s right eye nearly swollen shut after their four-round middleweight bout en route to a 40-36 shutout at the Shrine exposition Center in Los Angeles.

The Tokyo Olympics-bound Marcial outgunned, 310 punches to 273, and outhit Whitfield, 120-46, in a display of speed, accuracy (39% connection) and power that underscored his potential to be a world-beater.

Though he appeared stiff and overeager in the 1st round, Marcial dictated the tempo by landing 30 punches as against 11 for Whitfield, whose record dropped to 3-2.

It was an all-Marcial show from there, although Whitfield did manage to sneak in an uppercut and a solid right hook.

Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, who spent two months moulding Marcial’s skills suitable to the pro ranks, manned the Filipino’s corner with MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions president Sean Gibbons, also a former boxer.

Marcial’s performance was lauded by his housemates – International Boxing Federation super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas, world-ranked Jonas Sultan, and trainer Joven Jimenez – fellow Zamboangueno fighter Marvin Mabait and friend Brendan Gibbons.

“I’m happy with Marcial’s showing. He was up against a tough opponent and he was able to adjust to the pro style because of his vast experience as an amateur,” said Ancajas in Filipino. “He really wanted to learn and I’m glad our (with Sultan) training with him helped a bit.”

Jimenez also praised Marcial, noting his focus, relaxed stance, and punch selection. If anything, Jimenez said Marcial can still tighten up on defense and avoid dropping his arms as what he did late in the fourth round.

With Marcial’s impressive debut, he is bound to get one or two more fights against even tougher foes next year as promised by Gibbons.

After all, Marcial’s pro journey is really directed at boosting his quest for the Philippines’ first Olympic gold in 2021. – Rappler.com

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