Eumir Marcial’s participation in the Asian Games 2026 remains uncertain, with the Filipino Olympic bronze medalist’s condition after his Sept. 19 professional fight expected to determine whether he can reach Japan for the men’s 80-kilogram boxing competition.
Marcial is scheduled to face Omar Huerta only hours before the Asian Games boxing draw. The men’s 80kg division begins Sept. 23.
Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines president Marcus Manalo said the timing has left the national boxing program waiting to see whether Marcial can emerge from the professional bout healthy enough to make the trip.
SCHEDULE: Team Philippines at Asian Games 2026 boxing
‘It’s difficult to keep your hopes up,’ Manalo said via a report mailed to media offices. ‘It’s very stressful to keep hoping.’
Marcial, a bronze medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, is unbeaten through seven professional fights. Huerta enters their bout with a 15-1-1 record that includes 13 knockouts.
For Manalo, however, the result itself is only part of the concern. Marcial would also have to avoid injuries and recover quickly enough to travel to Japan before returning to amateur competition.
‘I think the chances are dim [that Marcial can compete in the Asiad],’ Manalo said. ‘His opponent is also tough. And even if he wins, what will his condition be? If he does catch a flight here, he has to contend with jet lag. His hands could get injured, and that could need a long recovery period.’
That leaves one of the Philippines’ leading boxing names in a race against recovery and travel time.
Marcial’s Asian Games status cannot be settled until after the professional bout and an assessment of his condition.