IF Eumir Felix Marcial’s first three fights as a professional turned out as mere warmup bouts, his fourth—against Argentina’s Ricardo Villalba isn’t expected to be a walk in the park for the Olympic bronze medalist.
“Ricardo Villalba represents a big [step up] in opposition for Eumir in terms of talent and experience,” International matchmaker Sean Gibbons told BusinessMirror on Tuesday, adding that Villalba’s a veteran pro with 28 fights in his credentials. “He’s been tested by time in those many fights.”
Marcial climbs the ring in an eight-round middleweight fight against Villalba this Sunday at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. They’re one of the undercards of the O’ Shaquie Foster-Rey Vargas fight for the World Boxing Organization super featherweight belt
Marcial, 27, brings with him a three-fight pro experience—two four-rounders and one six-rounder—against the 33-year-old Argentinian who packs a 20-win, 7-loss and 1-draw with eight knockouts.
“But we are confident Eumir will pass this test with flying colors so we are very excited for him,” said Gibbons, president of boxing icon and former senator Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions.
Mexican trainer Jorge Capetillo, who’s been handling Marcial since October in Las Vegas, is confident of his ward’s chances, according to Gibbons.
“Eumir has had a terrific training camp and after consulting with Señor Capetillo, it was decided that Eumir was ready to move up the eight-round level,” Gibbons said.
Marcial booked a unanimous decision victory over American Andrew Whitfield in a four-rounder in Los Angeles in his pro debut in 2020 and struggled but eventually beat another American, Isiah Hart, who knocked him down thrice before yielding via technical knockout in the fourth round last April in Las Vegas.
Last October, Marcial claimed his third win as pro—a unanimous decision—over American Steven Pichardo in Carson City, California.
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