Tokyo Olympics: 'Next Manny Pacquiao' Favorite To Cop Long-Awaited Gold Medal

A Filipino boxing prodigy touted to become the “next Manny Pacquiao” may have been presenting a strong case to win gold at the Tokyo Olympics.

Being a flag-bearer for the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremonies isn’t the only thing to talk about Filipino boxer Eumir Marcial.

Ahead of his very first fight in the prestigious tournament, Marcial is already heavily favored to nab the long-awaited Olympic gold medal, according to medal predictions by The Associated Press.

The middleweight boxer is currently waiting for the winner of a first-round clash between Algeria and Uganda in a Round of 16 bout scheduled on Thursday.

To further add depth to his credentials as a top-grade competitor in Tokyo, Marcial turned professional prior to the Olympics.

The 2019 world championships silver medalist is currently tied up to a six-year promotional term with Pacquiao’s MP Promotions.

The said move will be significant for Marcial’s young and soaring career as he now has the boxing legend’s full support.

“I chose MP Promotions because of their 100% support in my desire to fight for the Philippines in future SEA Games and Asian Games competitions and the Olympics, ” Marcial told reporters last year.

"In fact, my six-year promotional deal stated that they won't be a hindrance at the time the national team needs me,” he added. “It's also my honor to be a guide to my boxing career Senator Manny Pacquiao."

As early as now, many are convinced that Marcial has what it takes to follow in the footsteps of his idol Pacquiao.

The comparisons have been palpable, and according to the world’s only eight-division titlist’s longtime trainer Freddie Roach, he sees a lot of Pacquiao in Marcial.

For Roach, the only evident difference between the pair is their size.

“There is one difference, though, between my first look at Manny and Eumir,” Roach said of Marcial in October. “Manny was fighting at 122 pounds then, while Eumir will be starting at 160. That’s quite a difference! We did four rounds of mitts. Eumir worked on the heavy bag and the speed bag. He’s got a lot of power and very talented!”

“But we have a lot of work to do,” he continued. “Preparing for the Olympics after he turns professional is an unusual situation. But I really hope we can be the first to bring a world title [in his division] and Olympic gold to the Philippines. That would be very special.”