Olympic-bound boxer says P43k monthly allowance not enough for preps

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxer and Olympic-hopeful Eumir Marcial aired his frustration over the lack of support athletes are getting from the government.

Marcial, who is bound to compete at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics along with three other Filipino boxers, revealed in a Facebook post that the P43,000-monthly allowance he is getting is not enough to cover his preparations for the prestigious athletic competition.

Filipino boxer and Olympic-hopeful Eumir Marcial
PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Eumir Felix DS Marcial

He said that the allowance can’t cover his expenses for plane tickets, food, accommodation, coaching, staff, supplements and masseur. In order to afford these, Marcial used donations from his private sponsors as well as funds from his own pocket.

"Since last year nong nasa United States ako hanggang ngayon dito sa Zamboanga City tingin niyo sapat ang 43,000 pesos monthly allowance para sa preparation para sa Olympics?(which is allowance ko yun sa sarili ko as a national athlete)

Do you think I can relay jan sa 43,000 pesos para sa plane tickets, accommodation, food, coaching staff, supplements, masseur, and etc. Lahat ng na mention sa taas provided by private sponsors and of course my own money. ” Marcial wrote.

Mga taong walang alam sa sports tahimik nalang kayo! Hindi niyo alam ang katotohanan. Since last year nong nasa United...

Posted by Eumir Felix DS Marcial on Wednesday, May 12, 2021

"Kung ganyan ang suporta at mentality n'yo, wag kayong maghangad ng gold sa Olympics!" he added.

In his post, Marcial also asked his followers as to why Filipino athletes have not bagged a single gold medal from the Olympics.

"Ngayon ang tanong ko sa sarili ko at tanong ko din sa inyo, mahihina ba kaming mga Pilipinong atleta kung bakit hanggang ngayon walang nakakakuha ng gold sa Olympics o sadyang may problema na ang pagsuporta galing sa inyo?” Marcial asked.

The Association of Boxing Alliances (ABAP) of the Philippines denied Marcial’s allegations saying that they have provided the boxer with equipment for training as well as coaching in his house. ABAP secretary general Ed Picson revealed that Marcial did not fully utilize the support they gave him.

Picson said: “The problem is, I think he is confused with his role as a professional and as a national athlete. We've been giving him advice, but I feel that many people give him advice as well.”

— Mini, The Summit Express



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