BANGKOK, Thailand – Olympian Eumir Marcial saved Philippine boxing’s campaign with a hard-fought 4-1 split decision victory over Indonesia’s Maikhel Muskita in the men’s 80kg final on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Chulalongkorn University Sports Center. The win secured the country’s only gold medal in boxing at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, marking Marcial’s fifth SEA Games gold and preventing a gold-less outing for the squad.
The 30-year-old Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist overcame a tied first two rounds by dominating the third with powerful combinations, earning nods from four of five judges (scores: 29-28 x4, 28-29). “I didn’t expect to win my fifth gold here—this is for the country and the whole boxing team,” Marcial said, avenging teammates’ earlier silver finishes amid controversial decisions.
Philippine boxing ended with 1 gold, 3 silvers, and 6 bronzes—a dip from prior editions but highlighted by Marcial’s clutch performance. He advanced with a second-round TKO over Vietnam in the semis, showcasing devastating power.
This fifth gold—Marcial’s first SEA Games since missing 2023—adds to his storied amateur resume, fueling ambitions for the 2028 LA Olympics. In a tournament of upsets, Marcial stood as the last man fighting, turning potential disappointment into defiant triumph.
Philippine Boxing Medals (SEA Games 2025):
| Medal | Count |
|---|---|
| Gold | 1 (Marcial, 80kg) |
| Silver | 3 |
| Bronze | 6 |