Boxers Marvin John Nobel Tupas and Eumir Felix Marcial on Thursday wielded overpowering fight prowess as they scored convincing victories in their respective weight divisions to bag gold medals and highlight the Philippines’ 2-1-2 (gold-silver-bronze) harvest in boxing at the ongoing 29th Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Fil-British light-heavyweight Tupas n started the finals bout with cat-quick heavy punches, crushing Adli Hafid Mohd Pauzi of host Malaysia via a Referee Stop Contest (RSC) in just 21 seconds in the first round.
Also, Middleweight boxer Marcial, a member of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), snatched another gold by pummeling Pathomsak Kuttiya of Thailand for a 5-0 impressive victory.
“I went in the ring to do the best I could, the fact that it finished so soon, it was fortunate on my part,” said Tupas who connected solid four combinations to the face of his Malaysian foe to finish him off. “I’m here to fight for the Philippines and I’m here to win.”
“I’m so proud, I want to thank Team Philippines for all their support, my family, my parents and all the support throughout the Philippines,” said the jubilant Tupas who is a member of the elite British army.
Meanwhile, Bantamweight boxer Mario Fernandez settled for a silver medal finish when he bowed to Chatchai Butdee of Thailand, 0-4.
Other medalists include Olympian veteran Charly Suarez and Ian Clark Bautista who both settled for bronze medals in the light welterweight and flyweight divisions, respectively. (with reports from Primo Agatep of PNA)
