After experiencing a setback at the Paris Olympics, Eumir Marcial says he’s gearing up for an even greater comeback.

The 28-year-old boxer said he will return to the ring, drawing motivation from the outpouring of support from his family and fans.

“Sobrang na-appreciate ko ‘yung pagbigay nila sa akin ng encouraging message. Andaming nagme-message even sa mga lugar na pinupuntahan ko. Parang feel ko nanalo ako ng gold kasi para sa kanila panalo ako, and excited sila sa next career ko which is ‘yung pro,” he told ABS-CBN News on the sidelines of a sports brand apparel event.

“‘Yun po ‘yung nagbigay sa akin ng inspirasyon na kailangan kong magpatuloy dahil andyan ‘yung mga taong naniniwala at sumusuporta sa akin. Lalo na ‘yung pamilya ko na ‘yung pangarap nila sa buhay nila, ‘yun [ang] pangarap ko din. So kung hihinto po ako, parang nawalan din sila ng pangarap. Kaya sabi ko, ‘Tuloy ang laban. Tuloy pa rin ang laban,’” Marcial added.

He admitted he was quite depressed and considered hanging up his gloves after the heartbreaking loss in Paris.

Marcial remembered all his sacrifices starting from after the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 leading up to Paris this year.

However, fate had other plans for him.

“Hindi [gold] ‘yung naging resulta dahil sa unang laban pa lang natalo kaagad ako … Paano pa ako magsimula ulit? Magsisimula na naman akong i-improve ‘yung skill ko? Eh ginawa ko ‘yun three years, pero pagdating dito, nine minutes lang natalo kaagad ako. Mabigat po, as in sobrang bigat,” he shared.

“Para akong tinanggalan ng pangarap. Nawala ‘yung pangarap ko dahil lang doon sa isang laban na ‘yun. Doon lahat natapos. ‘Yung feeling na doon natapos ‘yung boxing career ko. ‘Yun ‘yung feeling ko that time,” Marcial added.

The Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist had to put the brakes on his pro career and stay in the amateur ranks to be able to qualify for the Olympics.

With the next Summer Games still four years away, Marcial believes now is the best time to focus on his pro career.

“Magfo-focus ako sa professional career ko dahil hindi na ako babata eh. Kailangan ko sulitin ito, ibigay ‘yung time sa professional career ko. Kasi especially dito sa pro, very important ‘yung age eh. Habang malakas ako, ito ‘yung peak ko ngayon,” he said.

The 28-year-old said it’s easier to bounce back in the pro ranks, compared to getting another shot at the Olympics.

“Sa professional, kung matalo ka, you have another chance to win. After three months, pwede ka ulit lumaban. After how many months nasa ranking ka na ulit, pwede ka na mag-world title. Pero dito sa Olympics is every four years lang ito eh,” he said.

While boxing remains in limbo for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Marcial said he remains optimistic the sport will be included in the program.

He will stay in the pro ranks for now, at least until the qualifiers season draws near.

“Sabihin natin, like three years from now, kahit world champion na ako andun ako sa ranking. May one year pa ako para kahit isang tournament lang eh. Lumaban ako ng isang tournament, nag-qualify ako pwede pa rin ako mag-represent sa LA Olympics,” he said.

Marcial said he would be back in the ring in December, but did not disclose who he would face or where the match would be held.

“Sa lahat ng mga Pilipino at naniniwala sa akin, abangan niyo po ako sa darating na laban ko ngayong December. Hindi ko pa nadi-disclose lahat ng details, pero by December po makikita niyo na ulit ako sa boxing ring. Let’s go,” he added.

Marcial’s last pro bout was in March when he knocked out his Thai opponent.

As a pro boxer, the Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist holds a 5-0 win-loss record. (ABS-CBN News)