Filipino boxing star Eumir Marcial delivered a powerful performance to secure the men's 80kg gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, adding another historic win to his storied career.
A Decisive Final Round Seals the Victory
The gold medal bout, held on Friday at the Chulalongkorn University Sports Center in Bangkok, Thailand, was a closely contested affair. Marcial faced a tough challenge from Indonesian fighter Maikhel Muskita, with the score tied after the first two rounds.
In the final frame, the Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist shifted gears. Marcial landed a massive right hand that stunned Muskita and sent him reeling against the ropes, a decisive moment that swung the judges' scorecards firmly in his favor. The final result was a 4-1 victory for the Filipino athlete.
An Unexpected and Emotional Fifth Gold
After his hand was raised in victory, an emotional Marcial shared his surprise and dedication. "I didn't expect it at all," the 30-year-old champion admitted. "I didn't expect to be able to participate here and win my fifth gold medal in the SEA Games."
He was quick to dedicate the win to his nation and teammates, stating, "This is not just for me. This is for the entire country and the Philippine boxing team, this is for all of us." This latest triumph marks his fifth career gold in the biennial regional sports meet.
Philippine Boxing Team's Overall Success
Marcial's victory was a highlight in a successful campaign for the Philippine boxing contingent. The team's final medal tally from the competition was impressive:
- One (1) Gold Medal: Eumir Marcial (Men's 80kg)
- Three (3) Silver Medals: Aira Villegas, Jay Brian Baricuatro, and Flint Jara
- Six (6) Bronze Medals
This collective effort underscores the strength and depth of the Philippine boxing program, contributing significantly to the country's overall medal count at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
