Manny Pacquiao wants to stage a big card next year starring Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist and Hangzhou Asian Games runner-up Eumir Marcial.
The eight-division legend himself told Marcial about his plan to promote his fifth professional bout in the country during a meeting over the weekend.
Their recent meetup was arranged by Sean Gibbons, who heads MP Promotions, the Pacquiao-owned outfit that represents the vast majority of top Filipino boxers.
Pacquiao said the February fight will play a pivotal part in Marcial’s preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics in July-August.
Marcial intends to spend training camp for the Olympics and the professional fight in the United States where there is an abundance of sparring partners.
Marcial, a southpaw like Pacquiao, will campaign in the 80-kilogram class in the Olympics.
So far, the Philippines has four qualified bets to Paris and Marcial joins gymnasts Carlos Yulo and Aleah Finnegan and pole vaulter EJ Obiena on the list of qualifiers.
Marcial turned professional in December 2020 in Los Angeles.
Since then, the pride and joy of Zamboanga City has racked up four wins, including two knockouts.
Last time he fought as a pro, Marcial stopped Ricardo Ruben Villalba of Argentina in the second round last February in San Antonio, Texas.
Before flying to Paris, Marcial would like to fight for the sixth time as a pro, a move his team believes will shore up his chances of making a podium finish.
Also, Pacquiao shared some pointers about throwing the perfect combination, something the wide-eyed Marcial gladly accepted.
