MANILA – Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial had more reasons to celebrate after surviving a 10-round slugfest, reminiscent of "Thrilla in Manila" held 50 years ago.
Marcial, who turned 30 on Wednesday, earned a hard-fought majority decision win against Venezuela's Eddy Colmenares on Wednesday to bag the vacant WBC International Middleweight title.
One judge scored 94-94, while the other two judges scored 95-93 in favor of the Zamboanga City native.
"Gusto ko unang-una magpasalamat sa Panginoon na binigay sa akin 'yung lakas at sa inyong lahat na nandito na sumusuporta sa akin. Habang lumalaban ako, naririnig ko 'yung sigaw ng mga tao at 'yun ang nagbibigay lakas sa akin," Marcial told reporters after the bout.
Marcial showcased his combinations, body shots and power early in the match.
But Colmenares showed why he's a knockout artist, sending Marcial to the canvas in the third round after a flurry of hits.
The Filipino boxer got back up and regained control, but Colmenares unleashed one last barrage that knocked down Marcial again in the final round.
"Grabe talaga ang tibay ni Colmenares. Talagang pumunta siya dito para kunin 'yung panalo. At nakita naman natin kung gaano katibay. Binigay ko yung best ko pero ako pa yung na-knockdown," he said.
Marcial admitted he was nervous when the fight came down to the judges' decision, but he felt he did enough to get the victory.
"Ang hirap makipagsabayan sa kanya [Colmenares] dahil matibay, malakas. So ginawa namin 'yung puntos lang, score. Smarts lang. Sabi ng mga kasama ko mas magaling ka diyan, Olympian ka. Gamitin mo 'yung talent mo," he explained.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR MARCIAL?
Marcial said he will take a break for two weeks to one month before training again.
"Alam ko sa sarili ko na marami pang i-improve. Simula pa lang ito eh. Simula pa lang ng matinding bakbakan. Alam ko may mga susunod pa papuntang world title. Mas higit pa dito 'yung makakalaban natin," he shared.
The Filipino boxer said he's open to a rematch against Colmenares in the future.
"Kung 'yun 'yung hiling ng mga tao, kung 'yun 'yung gagawin ni sir Manny [Pacquiao]. Why not? Napasaya natin 'yung mga tao. Gusto ko ibalik 'yun dito," he said.
"Thrilla in Manila 2. Itong stadium noong 50 years ago, alam ko grabe hiyawan ng mga tao. Itong gabi I hope napasaya ko mga kababayan natin. Naparamdam ko ano 'yung Thrilla in Manila 50 years ago," Marcial added.
The Olympic bronze medalist also looked back on the challenges he faced this year.
"Masasabi ko lang talaga, always lang talaga sa God doon lang ako naghihingi ng guide. Ine-eliminate niya 'yung mga taong na hindi makakatulong sa akin. Ngayon andito 'yung mga taong, totoong taong sumusuporta sa akin," he said.
Marcial remains undefeated at 7-0, dealing Colmenares his first loss 11-1.