Triple G might give Philippine boxer Eumir Marcial the answer to his current dilemma after his stunning opening-round exit at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
When Eumir Marcial turned professional, he made sure to emphasize one thing--there had to be a break so he can train for his second chance in the Olympic Games.
In the Athletes' Village, the Filipino boxer even encountered one of his idols, Gennady "Triple G" Golovkin. The Kazakh boxer was a silver medalist in Athens 2004 and held multiple middleweight and super middleweight division in the professional circuit.
“Look who I bumped into at the Olympic village.🔥🥊 The legendary and one of my favorite boxer in history of the world of boxing. Golovkin or Triple GGG is the appointed President of the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2024.” Marcial posted on social media.
Unfortunately for the Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist, Marcial's Paris 2024 dreams ended right in the round of 16 with a loss against Uzbekistan's Turabek Khabibullaev in the round of 16.
Marcial had to find consolation from his wife, Princess, after the devastating defeat.
Golovkin was right there to console Marcial as well.
“Hinahangaan kita sa loob ng boxing ring, pero mas lalo kita hingaan sa baba ng boxing ring no'ng nilapitan mo ako para i-cheer up at magbigay ng advice,” the five-times SEA Games gold medalist shared.
“And I’ll keep the words na sinabi mo saken na mas better ako sa professional boxing. Much respect champ GGG,” Marcial added.
[ALSO READ: July 31, 2024 News Eumir Marcial still ‘at loss for words’ after early exit in Paris 2024, admits suffering injury in Olympics build-up]
The 42-year-old Golovkin (42-2-1, 37 KOs) has not fought since a unanimous decision loss to Canelo Alvarez in their third showdown for the undisputed middleweight title back in September 2022.
Like Triple G, Marcial also fights in the same weight division and now 5-0 in his pro career since turning pro.
Also a decorated amateur, Golovkin won silver in Athens 2004 while the 2022 Asian Games silver medalist bagged the bronze in Tokyo 2020.
Marcial was clearly devastated after the loss, recounting his act of splitting time on fighting in the pro level scene and his Paris 2024 preparations.
He admitted of being uncertain regarding his next step--will he aim again for another Olympics or continue his professional career?
“Sobrang sakit, kasi isinantabi ko yung professional career ko, ang dami ko sinakripisyo para mapunta dito sa Olympics, pero siguro may mas magandang plano yung Panginoon para sakin,” he said.
[ALSO READ: Eumir Marcial faces career crossroads after Paris 2024 exit: Los Angeles 2028 or focus on pro career?]
The encounter with Golovkin might have given Marcial his answer.