Now that the cat is out of the bag, famed trainer Joven Jimenez can fully express his excitement over Eumir Marcial’s potential in the professional ranks.
Last Thursday, the 24-year-old middleweight — who is Tokyo Olympics-bound — announced that he has signed with MP Promotions, turning him pro in the process.
Though Marcial has dominated in the amateur ranks, the glitz and glamour of the pro ranks is a different animal.
But for the trainer of IBF World Junior Bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas Joven Jimenez, Marcial’s transition will be seamless because of his upbringing. He’s also sure Marcial will one day be a world champion.
“Sa tingin ko, talagang magiging world champion siya at tatagal sa kanya ‘yung belt.
“Kasi nandoon na nga sa kanya ‘yung katangian ng isang magiging world champion na boxer. Mabait, maalalahanin, responsable, nagtre-training kahit mag-isa, nandoon lahat. Malakas, magaling, matapang. Nandoon na lahat sa kanya,” said Jimenez during an episode of The Hit List, presented by SMART Sports and hosted by Nissi Icasiano and CA Starridge.
Jimenez saw all of this firsthand when Marcial visited Ancajas’ Survival Camp in Cavite. Moreover, Marcial and Ancajas have grown into good pals; the latter was even there when the former proposed to his long-time beau Princess Galarpe last June 18.
“Talagang kakaiba siya. Nandoon ‘yung kailangan ng isang boksingero para maging world champion, nandoon sa kanya. Pero kami, iwas kami kasi ayaw namin makisawsaw sa problema sir. At kung gusto naman ni Eumir na pumunta dito sa camp, dito siya mag-training, pumasyal siya dito. Kapag pumupunta siya dito kakatayan namin siya ng isang malaking baka at ilelechon,” quipped Jimenez.
Right now, though, Marcial’s task is to give the country its first-ever Olympic gold. And Jimenez and the boys are ready to help out the native of Zamboanga City in whatever way they can.
“Welcome siya dito sa amin kung anong gusto niyang mangyari sa buhay niya. Kami, hindi kami makikialam sa sitwasyon niya ngayon kasi alam namin napakahirap talaga eh.”
