A truly unfortunate incident but Eumir Marcial offered no excuses as his Paris 2024 quest ended abruptly.
“This is not the end of my journey.”
An emotional Eumir Marcial wrote this in a lengthy post just hours after his stunning early exit in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 early Wednesday morning, July 31 (PH time).
Marcial absorbed an opening round loss against Uzbekistan’s Turabek Khabibullaev via unanimous decision in the round of 16 of the men’s 80kg event.
[ALSO READ: Eumir Marcial absorbs shocking early exit from Paris 2024 after losing to young Uzbek foe]
One of the country’s top medal bets, the Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist was out for redemption in his second straight Olympics, eyeing for a golden finish this time around after falling short three years ago.
However, Marcial got booted out early by the much-younger Khabibullaev, who went on to win with scores of 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28.
The pain of the sudden loss still lingers with the Pinoy boxer, who described his situation now as “a difficult place to be in.”
“I’m devastated and at loss for words. It’s a tough loss, I do not know how to explain this loss to all the Filipinos who believed in me and supported me. No one really prepares to lose.”
[ALSO READ: Eumir Marcial left vulnerable after shock Olympic exit: 'Yung pangarap ko biglang gumuho']
The 28-year-old pugilist then offered no excuses for the defeat, although he revealed that he had been dealing with an injury in the weeks leading up to the Olympics.
“Not many people know but behind the scene, I sustained an injury two weeks leading up to this match that prevented me to move and do my usual training, which also affected my mental strength and overall performance,” he admitted.
Despite his health status, the pride of Lunzuran, Zamboanga City bared he never use his injury as a reason not to go all-out in his quest for Olympic gold in Paris 2024.
“But no regrets still. I know God has a bigger purpose for this loss. I may not understand it now. but I need to trust that it was God’s protection to keep me safe from any further potential injury,” he added.
Marcial, who had to juggle his professional boxing career and the Paris 2024 preparations, just showed how dedicated he was in finally giving the Philippines its first Olympic gold in boxing.
“I gave my all in that ring and regardless of the result, I am deeply grateful to all of the Filipinos who believed in me and supported me. I’m so proud to have been able to represent our country once again here at the Olympics. Thank you for all your prayers and words of encouragement."
With Marcial eliminated, Aira Villegas (women’s 50kg), Nesthy Petecio (57kg), Carlo Paalam (men’s 57kg) and Hergie Bacyadan (women’s 75kg) remain and are ready to carry the Philippines in capturing the elusive Olympic boxing gold medal. Bacyadan and Paalam begin their quest tonight.
NEXT: Eumir Marcial faces career crossroads after Paris 2024 exit: Los Angeles 2028 or focus on pro career?