POC chief asks for ‘ceasefire’ amid feud between Eumir Marcial and ABAP, PSC

With 59 days left until the Tokyo Olympics, POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said athletes should be completely focused on their preparation.

That message pertains especially to Olympic-bound boxer Eumir Marcial, who has been trading jabs with the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) over disagreements about what constitutes sufficient financial support for an Olympic campaign.

Tolentino, a long-time sports official, said that athletes should prioritize their Olympic buildup and not dwell on issues that could distract them from their bids to win a gold.

“I’m trying to reach out to those athletes, especially Marcial, and my message is: let’s focus on the Olympics,” said Tolentino during Tuesday's episode of Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) forum.

“I mean, with the Olympics fast approaching, let’s first have a ceasefire.”

In a Facebook post last May 12, the southpaw Filipino boxer said that he’s receiving P43,000 monthly – an amount he believes isn’t enough, especially after taking account expenses like ‘plane tickets, accommodation, food, coaching staff, supplements, masseur and others.’

After his posts went viral, Marcial received offers of support from various personalities including Thirdy Ravena as well as Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascarinas ahead of his pre-Olympic competition in Dubai.

He will see action in the Asian Elite Men's and Women's Boxing Championships along with seven Filipino boxers in the tournament where 27 nations will slug it out.

But as Marcial continues his preparation, Tolentino said they can discuss the issues once the Olympics wrap up. For now, with little time remaining, the focus should be on the games.

“Let’s talk about that once we’re through with the Olympics.”

Marcial is among the nine athletes already qualified to the prestigious global meet.

He joins EJ Obiena (pole vault), Carlos Yulo (gymnastics), Hidilyn Diaz (weightlifting) and Irish Magno, Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio (boxing) Cris Nievarez (rowing), and Kurt Barbosa (Taekwondo).

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News