As the countdown to the Paris Olympics intensifies, Eumir Marcial, the Philippines’ boxing pride and sole Olympic qualifier, has transitioned into a crucial phase of his training regimen. Marcial recently commenced the vital sparring sessions at the DLX Gym in the United States, marking a pivotal step in his preparation for the upcoming fight on March 16 in Manila.

After dedicating time to strength training and non-sparring routines, Marcial has shifted gears, engaging in intense sparring sessions to fine-tune his skills and tactics. His arrival in the United States last week from the Philippines set the stage for this crucial phase of his Olympic buildup.

Handling Marcial’s training in Las Vegas is none other than US Olympic coach Kay Koroma, who assumed coaching duties last year. The collaboration between Marcial and Koroma is a testament to the globalized approach to elite-level boxing preparation.

Looking ahead, Marcial plans to return to America after his upcoming assignment in Manila to finalize the blueprint of his gold medal quest in Paris. The stakes are high, and Marcial’s dedication is evident in the meticulous planning of his training under the guidance of Koroma.

Among the aspiring Olympians aiming to join Marcial in Paris are Tokyo silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio. As part of the team bracing for two Olympic qualifiers, they share the common goal of bringing honor to the Philippines on the grand stage of the Paris Olympics.