Eumir Marcial Stops Bernard Joseph in Third Round to Extend Pro Win Streak

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by Raymund Tamayo

Eumir Marcial (standing) knocks down Bernand Joseph in their Pacquiao-Barrios undercard fight. Photo: PBC.

Eumir Marcial showcased his growing prowess in the middleweight division with a dominant third-round stoppage of Bernard Joseph in the opening bout of the Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios card at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, July 19 (Sunday, July 20 in the Philippines).

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medalist sealed his sixth consecutive victory—and fourth by knockout—since turning professional in 2020. Marcial overwhelmed the Massachusetts-based Joseph with a trio of powerful lefts to the head, forcing the referee to step in at the 1:55 mark of round three.

The opening round saw both fighters exchange heavy shots, but Marcial took control in the second, landing a sharp combination capped by a clean left hook that sent Joseph to the canvas. Though the American managed to beat the count and even landed a sneaky right that briefly stunned Marcial, he couldn’t keep pace with the Filipino’s power and precision. Joseph dropped to a record of 11 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws, with 5 knockouts.

Photo: PBC.

Despite having limited time to study Joseph—who stepped in late to replace Alexis Gaytan—Marcial quickly adapted and dictated the tempo with effective jabs and body work. Weighing in at 162 pounds to Joseph’s 161.8, Marcial looked sharp and confident in the ring.

“I took my time in the second round,” Marcial said in Filipino after the fight. “But when my hook landed clean, I knew it was over. I followed it with a body shot and a straight left, and when I saw his eyes, I knew he wasn’t getting up.”

Photo: PBC.

Marcial was cornered by his longtime trainer Joven Jimenez and former world champion Jerwin Ancajas, with support from Zamboanga City Councilor Junie Navarro. Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino also congratulated the boxer afterward and expressed hope that Marcial will represent the country again in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Photo: PBC.

This marked Marcial’s return to the ring following a tough Olympic campaign in Paris, where he bowed out early to Uzbekistan’s Turabek Khabibullaev in July 2024. His last professional fight prior to this win came in March 2024, when he scored a knockout against Thailand’s Thoedsak Sinam at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“It felt great to be back in the ring,” Marcial said. “Thanks to experience, we came out with the win.”