Eumir Marcial reflects on sharing the ring with Manny Pacquiao in upcoming fight
Marcial will fight Alexis Gaytan in one of the undercards of the Pacquiao-Barrios fight on July 19 (July 20, Philippine time).
In a social media post, Marcial described how Pacquiao influenced him to become a boxer as well.
"My journey began with my father, your number one fan, who passed his admiration for you down to me. Growing up, training, and aspiring to be like you wasn't just a dream; it became my purpose," Marcial wrote in the caption of his post.
"That purpose led me to where I stand today: a two-time Olympian and Olympic medalist. Through every victory and every setback, you've been my guiding light, silently shaping my path and showing me what true greatness looks like."
Marcial even described Pacquiao as a great example of a champion.
"As you return to the ring, not just for your family, not just for our country, but for all of us, you embody the very spirit of a champion. Indeed, the epitome of a world champion," said Marcial.
"I just want you to know: we're with you. Always. Ready to stand by your side, as we fight under your card and, God willing, celebrate the glory of victory together."
Aside from Marcial, Filipino boxer Mark Magsayo will also be in one of the undercards of the Pacquiao-Barrios fight.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


GMA Network
14 hours ago
- GMA Network
Kyle Lowry to play 20th NBA season with hometown 76ers
Veteran guard Kyle Lowry, who spent parts of the last two seasons playing in his hometown of Philadelphia, signed a one-year deal on Monday to play his 20th NBA campaign with the 76ers. Terms were not disclosed in the deal for the six-time All-Star, who debuted with the Memphis Grizzlies after they made him their first-round pick (No. 24) in the 2006 draft. "Kyle's championship experience and Hall of Fame resume speaks for itself. He is a proven floor general with tremendous knowledge of the game that is a resource to everyone in the organization," 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said. "It's only fitting that his 20th NBA season will be right here in Philadelphia, the city he calls home." Last season, the 39-year-old Lowry posted 3.9 points, 2.7 assists and 1.9 rebounds over 35 games (12 starts). Over his career, the former Villanova star has averaged 13.9 points, 6.1 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 1,173 games (898 starts) with the Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat and 76ers. Among active players, Lowry ranks in the top 10 in assists (fifth, 7,099), 3-pointers (seventh, 2,205), steals (ninth, 1,499) and triple-doubles (10th, 21). Along with winning an NBA title with the Raptors in 2019, Lowry captured an Olympic gold medal in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. — Field Level Media/Reuters


GMA Network
a day ago
- GMA Network
EJ Obiena-led elite pole vault meet finally happening on September 21 in Makati
EJ Obiena is finally staging an elite pole vault event at home as he hosts the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge on September 21 at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati. The competition is expected to see top pole vaulters across the globe — including Obiena himself — duke it out for ranking points as it will be an official event in the World Athletics calendar. "We're inviting, of course, the top pole vaulters. The dates are strategically placed on the 21st, that's gonna be after the world championship so we could expect high-ranking athletes," Obiena said in an online press conference with Philippine media. "We're gonna announce it as soon as the competition dates come. As of now, we'll keep it first." Last year, world no. 4 Obiena was also supposed to host an event in the same venue but opted to pull the plug after deciding to focus on his recovery for a back injury he sustained. But he ensured that his dream of bringing an elite pole vault event to the country will finally become a reality this year. And although nothing has been cast in stone yet, Obiena's camp revealed that world no. 1 Mondo Duplantis and other top pole vaulters in the world are interested in flying to Manila to participate in the event. "I've always wanted to bring this since the day I've competed in Europe, when I've seen how the event kind of relates to the people in the city, the people in the crowd," Obiena added. "I've been talking to a lot of stakeholders and I'm very blessed that it's finally happening. It's a long time coming." —JMB, GMA Integrated News

GMA Network
3 days ago
- GMA Network
Paris opens river Seine for public swimming for first time since 1923
People swim in the River Seine at the Bras Marie site, opened to swimmers marking the first public bathing session in the capital's historic waterway, in Paris, France, July 5, 2025. REUTERS/Abdul Saboor PARIS - Parisians rushed for a dip in the Seine on Saturday as authorities opened the river to public swimming for the first time since 1923 after an extensive clean-up operation spurred on by it being used last year as a venue in the Paris Olympics. Three sites along the banks of the Seine in the city will be able to welcome over 1,000 swimmers daily until August 31, local officials said, to the delight of the Parisians and visitors who were among the first to take the plunge. "Really nice, I'm impressed, surprised," said 24-year-old Victoria Cnop, a Brazilian who lives in Paris. "I never imagined being in the water close to the Eiffel Tower." "The water is clean, it's warm, it's clear. There is a bit of algae, but that's normal," said 51-year-old Karine. "Come here everybody, it's great!." The reopening of the Seine for public swimming follows efforts by authorities to improve its water quality so it could be used for Olympic events last summer. Investments included connecting tens of thousands of homes to the sewer system, upgrading water treatment facilities, and constructing large rainwater storage reservoirs to prevent sewer overflow during heavy storms. While delays, triggered by the health impact of heavy rains, impacted some Olympic training sessions and the men's triathlon event, competitions in the Seine eventually went ahead, bolstering confidence in the river's safety for public swimming. Daily water quality tests will be conducted during the swimming season, with green and red flags - similar to beach safety systems - indicating whether swimming areas are open or closed. "It's wonderful," said John Drummond, a 54-year-old visitor from Canada. "It's great for the environment, it's great for the city, it's great for the people that live here. So very good initiative." As well as the three sites within Paris, 14 swimming areas outside the capital's boundaries will be set up on the Seine and the Marne rivers. Two of those already opened on the Marne in June. — Reuters