ABAP backs Marcial all the way

MANILA, Philippines — There’s no turning back Olympic middleweight boxing qualifier Eumir Marcial from pursuing his dream of hitting paydirt in the Tokyo Games next year and ABAP secretary-general Ed Picson said yesterday the National Sports Association will continue to support the quest for gold unconditionally.  “ABAP and Eumir are on the same page, we’re in the same boat,” said Picson. “Our focus is the Olympics. That’s Eumir’s priority and it’s also ABAP’s. ABAP is prepared to do what it takes to support Eumir with all the resources to make his Olympic dream come true.”

Picson said he’s exploring ways for ABAP to continue providing Marcial with all-out backing even if he decides to turn pro. “It’s still a process,” said Picson. “But we’re confident of finding a way. ABAP will never turn its back on Eumir. We’ve been together for over 10 years and now that Eumir has qualified for the Olympics, the more ABAP is committed to back his dream.”

Picson said ABAP will not get in the way of Marcial turning pro. “We know Eumir’s priority is the Olympics and he feels turning pro at this stage will make him stronger and more competitive for Tokyo,” he said. “There appears to be a misconception that ABAP is preventing Eumir from signing a pro contract.  That’s farthest from the truth. What we want is to find a middle ground where his campaign for the Olympics will not be derailed.”

Since ABAP and the POC endorse every boxer going to the Olympics, Picson said, “as far as we’re concerned, Eumir is our bet in the middleweight class in Tokyo and we want that to happen.” On a personal note, Picson said he gave his word to Marcial that discussions on his plans will be kept out of media but writers with access to Shelly Finkel and Sean Gibbons are quoting directly from them. “We don’t know what the terms are of any contract that’s been offered to Eumir so we’re not in a position to disclose anything,” he said. “We want only what Eumir believes is best for him and we’re assuring him of our support.” Finkel recently withdrew his bid to manage Marcial’s pro career while Gibbons, representing MP Promotions, has the inside track to sign him up.