Manila: While already thriving in their respective professional careers, Eumir Marcial and Weljon Mindoro could find themselves making a return to Olympic-style boxing in the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino announced that the two undefeated middleweights are under consideration for the national boxing team that will compete in Bangkok this December.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tolentino, who is also the Tagaytay mayor, mentioned that both Marcial and Mindoro are included in the long list of potential candidates for the national team. This announcement was made during a press event where incentives for the medalists of the Asian Youth Games were discussed. The POC and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will provide financial rewards to medalists, with gold medalists receiving PHP750,000, silver medalists earning PHP450,000, and bronze medalists getting PHP175,000. Additionally, medalists will receive brand new iPhone 17s from sports betting partner SportsPlus.

The long list of athletes is not the final selection for the SEA Games. World gymnastics champion Carlos Yulo is also on the list of possible representatives but has decided to withdraw due to the medal limit imposed by host country Thailand.

Mindoro is preparing for his next fight, with details to be revealed at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum. With a professional record of 15 wins and one draw, all by knockout, Mindoro has previous experience in Olympic-style boxing, having competed in the Palarong Pambansa.

Marcial, on the other hand, is contemplating his next career move after winning the WBC international middleweight title during the Thrilla In Manila anniversary event. A potential rematch with Eddy Colmenares looms, following controversy over their last bout’s judges’ scorecards. Despite being knocked down twice, Marcial secured a majority decision win, which Colmenares criticized as “brazen robbery” on social media.