Eumir Marcial takes the win against his Syrian opponent on October 4, 2023 during the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Handout/POC-PSC Media/File
NAGOYA — There is no certainty that bemedalled boxer Eumir Marcial can join the Philippine team in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
Marcial, 30, is set to fight Omar Huerta in Temecula, California on Saturday, September 19 — the same day as the boxing draw.
READ: Eumir Marcial to put unbeaten record on the line against Omar Huerta
The result of the bout, as well as Marcial's physical condition afterward, will determine whether the Tokyo 2020 Olympics bronze medalist can fly to Japan and compete in the 80kg division that starts on September 23.
"Mahirap umasa. Very stressful umasa," said Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines (ABAP) president Marcus Manalo.
"I think malabo na. Mabigat din ang kalaban niya. If he wins, ano ang condition niya? Kung makahabol siya, may jetlag pa siyang haharapin," he added.
Marcial is unbeaten in seven professional fights but he expects a challenge against Huerta, an American of Mexican descent who brings a 15-1-1 record into their bout, with 13 wins by knockout.
It will be up to Marcial if he can catch up with Team Philippines in time to be included in the draw.
If he makes it, this will be the third Asian Games stint for the veteran, who won a bronze in 2018 Jakarta-Palembang and silver in 2023 Hangzhou.
The Philippine boxing team is led by Olympic medalists Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas and Carlo Paalam.
READ: PH boxing team hopes to end gold medal drought in Asiad