Eumir Marcial to skip 2026 Asian Games after KO win in pro bout - GMA Network

Eumir Marcial will miss the 2026 Asian Games, according to Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines president Marcus Manalo.

The decision came just hours after Marcial scored a third-round knockout against Omar Huerte in his professional bout.

“I spoke to Eumir right after winning his professional fight earlier. After carefully considering the situation, Eumir and I agreed that it would be better to skip the Asian Games. It would be very hard for him to immediately transition from a professional fight in the US, into long-distance travel to Nagoya with a 16-hour time difference, and then into another high-level boxing competition with such a short recovery period,” Manalo said in a statement released by the Philippine Olympic Committee media.

“Boxing is a physically demanding and inherently risky sport, and adequate time to rest and recover is extremely important, and we do not want to compromise Eumir’s health and safety because of the tight timeline,” Manalo added.

“Eumir himself was very much looking forward to the opportunity to represent the flag once again. This is therefore a difficult decision for everyone involved.”

Manalo added that representing the Philippines is not only about stepping into the ring but “also about making responsible decisions that protect our athletes and allow them to have long, healthy careers.”

“We sincerely hope for understanding that this decision was made with Eumir’s best interests in mind. His commitment to Philippine boxing and to representing the country has never been in question,” he added.

Marcial won a silver medal in the light heavyweight division at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou and a bronze in the middleweight class at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang.

The Filipino Olympic bronze medalist is also expected to compete in the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in December.