Now that Eumir Marcial has accomplished his goal to qualify for the Paris Olympics, he will return to the United States to stay active as a professional fighter.

Marcial has booked himself a return ticket to the Summer Games via a silver medal finish in the 19th Asian Games men’s boxing.

He has to fulfill his contractual obligations with MP Promotions and plans to fight twice before resuming his campaign for a gold medal in Paris.

“Babalik muna ako sa States para lumaban ulit as professional,” the heavy-fisted Filipino middleweight said.

“Sa ngayon kasi wala pa namang tournament na amateur na sasalihan,” he added.

The Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist said he wanted to avoid a lull in training, adding that more rounds in the pro ranks would also be beneficial for his Olympic goal.

“Malaking bagay sa akin na bumalik muna sa pros para tuloy-tuloy lang ang training ko at madagdagan ang experience ko,” he said.

“Kung maganda ang performance, maka-KO at walang injury, dadaan ako sa least two fights before the Olympics. Depende na rin po kay [MP Promotions founder] Sir Manny Pacquiao at Sir Sean Gibbons kung anong plano nila,” he added.

Marcial also looks forward to reuniting with his gang in the US.

He trains with fellow Filipinos, former world champion Jerwin Ancajas and Jonas Sultan, whenever he stays in America.

“May laban silang darating sa February sa Japan. Si Jerwin lalaban for world title, si Jonas undercard. Gusto nila na pumunta ako doon at suportahan sila,” the 27-year-old said.

“Mas maganda rin na makasama ako sa preparation nila kasi alam ko ‘pag nagsama-sama kami, motivated kaming lahat. Iba ‘yung feeling ‘pag kasama mo ang mga kaibigan mo sa ensayo,” he added. (ABS-CBN News)