Eumir Marcial assured of a bronze medal, punches to semis after knocking out Armenian boxer
Another Olympic milestone for the Philippines!
The Philippines is set for a multi-medal Olympic haul after Filipino boxer Eumir Marcial is now assured of a bronze medal in the men’s boxing middleweight division at the Tokyo Olympics.
Marcial advanced to the semifinals after knocking out Armenia’s Arman Darchinyan at the first round of their quarterfinal match with only 49 seconds left. The 25-year-old boxer now advances to the semifinals of the tournament.
Eumir Marcial #PHI demolishes Arman Darchinyan #ARM in the opening round!
The Filipino ends the fight with 49 seconds left with a crushing knockout!@OneSportsPHL @CignalTV #boxing #SeeUsStronger #Tokyo2020— Paolo del Rosario (@paodelrosario) August 1, 2021
Marcial is set to face Oleksandr Khyzhniak of Ukraine in the semifinals, where a win will send him to the gold medal match.
According to boxing analyst Nissi Icasiano, the Zamboanga-born Marcial has the "mental edge" in terms of experience at the Tokyo Olympics.
For the first time since 1932, the Philippines is now assured of at least three Olympic medals following weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and boxer Nesthy Petecio.
Banner and thumbnail photo: Philippines' Eumir Marcial (blue) celebrates after winning by KO against Armenia's Arman Darchinyan during their men's middle (69-75kg) quarter-final boxing match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo on August 1, 2021.
Luis ROBAYO / AFP