THE Philippines is sending a formidable boxing delegation to the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, from December 9 to 20, with high expectations for a dominant performance. The bid for multiple gold medals is significantly strengthened by the inclusion of two professional stars — two-time Olympian and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial, and the undefeated Weljon Mindoro.
Marcial, a four-time SEA Games’ gold medalist, has confirmed his readiness and commitment to fight for a fifth consecutive gold, this time campaigning in the men’s light heavyweight (80 kgs) class.
He dismissed concerns over the mandatory 30-day suspension for being knocked down twice in his recent majority decision win for the vacant WBC international middleweight title against Venezuela’s Eddy Colmenares on October 28.
“That 30-day suspension has lapsed already,” Marcial stated, further confirming that he is “medically cleared to compete and ready.”
Joining Marcial is 25-year-old professional boxer Weljon Mindoro, making his SEA Games debut in the men’s middleweight (75 kgs) class.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed gratitude and strong confidence in the reinforced line-up.
“We would like to thank Mr. Sean Gibbons and their managers for lending them to the national team. It gives us the opportunity for a podium finish in boxing, but of course we want the gold. This is for the country,” said Tolentino.
Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines Secretary-General Marcus Jarwin Manalo echoed this sentiment, assuring that Marcial is “an absolute different animal when the competition begins” and will not be hindered by the amateur protocol.
He emphasized the national goal: “We are very thankful to Marcial and Mindoro for fighting for flag and country in SEA Games.”
The men’s national team will compete in seven out of nine available weight classes, strategically skipping the 63.5 kgs and 69 kgs categories. The rest of the men’s roster includes 48 kgs: Jay Bryan Barquarto; 51 kgs: Marvin Tabamo; 54 kgs: Flint Jara; 57 kgs: Ian Clark Bautista (taking the spot of Tokyo silver medalist Carlo Paalam, who begged off due to illness); and 60 kgs: Junmilardo Ogayre.
The women’s team is equally strong, entering six of the eight weight divisions, led by Olympians
(50 kgs) Olympics bronze medalist Aira Villegas; (60 kgs) Tokyo silver medalist Nesthy Petecio; and (70 kgs) Paris Olympian Hergie Bacyadan. Joining them are (57 kgs) Risa Pasuit and (48 kgs) Ofelia Magno.
With the core team currently at a two-week training camp in Muak Lek, Thailand, the Philippines is poised to deliver a championship-caliber performance and reclaim boxing glory at the biennial meet.
