Eumir Marcial beats Andrew Whitfield in pro debut

Eumir Marcial's professional career is off to a good start after beating Andrew Whitfield via unanimous decision on Thursday (Philippine time).

The Olympic-bound boxer fought the mixed martial arts veteran in a four-round middleweight bout, which all three judges scored 40-36 in his favor.

Marcial had to absorb some hits from the power-puncher, but he eventually found his rhythm. By the second round, he dealt some damage on Whitfield's right eye.

"Unang round pa lang tinamaan ako, naramdaman ko 'yung suntok niya kasi mas manipis ang gloves sa pro na 10oz. Sa amateur kasi 12oz ang gamit namin," said the Pinoy boxer about his pro debut.

"Siguro talagang pinaghandaan niya ako kasi three months ago, alam na niya 'yung laban. Tsaka siguro matagal ako walang training dahil sa pandemic kaya struggle din ako na makuha 'yung tamang kondisyon," he added.

Marcial, who booked his slot to the Tokyo Games last March, signed with MP Promotions and decided to go pro while pursuing his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal.

He has been training with Manny Pacquiao's long-time coach, Freddie Roach, at the Wild Card Boxing Club.

MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons said the pride of Zamboanga City will have one or two more professional fights in the build up to the Olympics.

—MGP, GMA News