Eumir Marcial bows out of Paris Olympics

Filipino boxer Eumir Marcial's Olympic campaign ended after a loss to Uzbekistan's Turabek Khabibullaev in the round-of-16 of the men's 80kg division.

Khabibullaev secured a unanimous decision victory with scores of 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28, 29-28.

Marcial's defeat in his opening bout means he cannot replicate his bronze medal performance from the Tokyo Olympics.

Marcial revealed a two-week-old injury affected his training, mental strength, and performance, expressing devastation and disappointment.

He also shared that he is happy to represent the country in the Olympics for the second straight time, despite competing in a higher weight class than his natural fighting weight.

Herge Bacyadan also exited the Paris Olympics after a unanimous decision loss to China's Li Qian in the women's 75-kg class Round of 16.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino described Marcial's exit as "extremely emotional" given his sacrifices.

Marcial rallied Filipinos to continue supporting those still competing in the Paris Olympics, stating their victory is everyone's victory.