Eumir Marcial’s girlfriend says he is no Manny Pacquiao, but he’s the next big thing in Filipino boxing as he eyes Olympic glory
- His girlfriend and former boxer Princess Galarpe says the recent world championship silver medallist remains humble and focused
- They met when both were part of the national set up and have conquered difficult times to remain together
They had one small fish between them and no money in their pockets. Filipino boxer Eumir Marcial, being the gentleman he is, said to his girlfriend, Princess Galarpe: “I’m not hungry, you eat the fish.”
In their eight years together, Galarpe said she and the now-superstar fighter had gone through some difficult days – financially and emotionally – but their relationship has strengthened and he remains the same humble and gracious person she remembers when they first met as budding, teenaged boxers.
Galarpe has since left the sport to pursue her studies, having recently graduated with a degree in hospitality from the Liceo de Cagayan University in Mindanao. Marcial, with Galarpe at his side, has emerged as one of the best boxers in the Philippines and in September he earned a middleweight silver medal at the Aiba World Championships in Ekaterinburg, Russia.
He is favourite for the gold at this year’s Southeast Asian Games on home soil and is a genuine medal contender for his country at next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Galarpe said the boxer would always be looking out for her during their relationship, which she admitted experienced its ups and downs.