EUMIR Felix Marcial took to his Facebook with a resolute message, declaring, "The gold is in Paris."
His statement came just a day after he faced a controversial defeat at the hands of China's Tanglatihan Tuohetaerbieke in the 19th Asian Games boxing men's 80 kg finals on Thursday evening, October 5, 2023.
Marcial, a Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, secured the silver medal to improve his 2018 bronze finish, while Tuohetaerbieke, a World Championships 2023 silver medalist, went on to clinch the gold.
"While it was not the outcome we expected and the medal we hoped to bring home, I am beyond happy and overwhelmingly proud of this amazing feat," Marcial said.
The closely contested bout saw both fighters receiving standing eight counts, and it remained even until the last round, where the Chinese fighter secured the gold through a unanimous decision from all five judges.
The 27-year-old Zamboanga City native dominated the first round, but the Chinese claimed the second round.
"Akala ko yung last round sa akin, e. Yun ang ramdam ko (I thought the last round was mine. That's what I felt)," he told the PSC media pool after the match.
Speaking to the PSC media pool after the match, Marcial shared his thoughts, saying, "Akala ko yung last round sa akin, e. Yun ang ramdam ko (I thought the last round was mine. That's what I felt)."
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Bambol Tolentino echoed Marcial's sentiments, stating, "Wala tayong laban sa host. Atin yung first and third rounds, malinaw (We are no match for the hosts. It was clear the first and third rounds were ours)."
Despite the disappointment of not securing victory within his grasp, Marcial expressed gratitude for the support he received, saying, "I understand that many of you felt disappointed with how the decision ruled not in favor of us, but your support makes me feel that I already won the gold. There’s always a learning opportunity in every match. Nevertheless, I send my congratulations to China."
Marcial credited his silver medal win to the unwavering support of Filipino fans, saying, "Thank you for continuously believing in me, and I hope you can keep the support coming as we rally towards the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics."
Marcial's silver was the lone medal for the country's national boxing team in Hangzhou.(With PR)