POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino watches the game between USA and Jordan in the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Pasay City on August 30, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

The Philippines’ campaign in the 2024 Paris Olympics remains steadfast even after the shock loss of boxer Eumir Marcial on Tuesday night at the North Paris Arena (early Wednesday in Manila).

“[We are] full speed ahead,” assured Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino. “The campaign for medals, especially gold, is hot on track.”

Team Philippines’ campaign absorbed a blow when Marcial bowed out in the round-of-16 of the men’s 80kg division after a unanimous decision loss to Uzbekistan’s Turabek Khabibullaev.

It was a disappointing result for Marcial, who had been hoping to improve upon the bronze medal that he won three years ago in Tokyo when he was competing in the middleweight division.

But matched against a taller opponent, Marcial struggled to break down Khabibullaev’s jab and failed to get into a rhythm throughout the three rounds.

Tolentino acknowledged that Marcial suffered an “extremely emotional loss,” with the boxer expressing on social media afterward that he is “devastated” by the result.

Marcial revealed that he came into the fight with an injury sustained two weeks ago in training, but stressed that this was no excuse. “No regrets, still,” Marcial wrote.

Tolentino, for his part, noted that Marcial was fighting above his usual weight.

“I know how painful it is for Eumir to bear the loss,” the POC chief said. “We feel his disappointment and frustration, but it’s not the end all for him.”

“If we look at the tangibles, the light heavyweight is not for Eumir. He’s small for the weight class, while the other boxers are bigger and heftier,” he added.

Two other Filipino boxers — Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio — were triumphant in their first bouts, while two more — Hergie Bacyadan and Carlo Paalam — plunge into action on Wednesday night.