Picson, in a statement released to media, likewise, belied persistent reports that a rift between the middleweight fighter and ABAP had developed as an aftermath of news that Marcial is turning pro. “If we were to stop Marcial from exploring professional boxing opportunities, why would we speak with those interested in him?” the former television basketball analyst said. The 24-year-old Marcial, in a separate phone conversation with Picson and ABAP Sports Psychologist Marcus Manalo, apologized if his discussions with people outside of ABAP were misinterpreted by some quarters. Marcial said that he had the highest regard for the officials of the national sports association for boxing and he would never do anything to jeopardize his relationship with ABAP. He assured, too, that negotiations have been going on well and everybody promised him help in his Olympic dream of gifting the county its first Olympic gold medal.

Source: Manila Times May 27, 2020 16:31 UTC