Filipino-Briton recruit John Marvin is ready to pound faces and bring the gold medal home when sees action in the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur later this month.
The 24-year-old Marvin is a cut above the rest with his imposing 6-foot-1 frame that is unusual in Philippine boxing. But he is more than ready to take the challenge and prove his worth on the national team as he competes in his fist SEA Games.
“I dedicate this fight for my mother and our country. I’ve trained hard and I am ready to win the gold,” Marvin said on Thursday’s send-off ceremony hosted by the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee in Pasay City.
Marvin is fighting in light-heavyweight division.
The Philippines emerged overall champion in the boxing competitions at the Singapore Games in 2015 with five gold, three bronze and two silver medals.
Ian Clark Bautista (flyweight), Mario Fernandez (bantamweight), Junel Cantancio (lightweight), Eumir Felix Marcial (welterweight) and Josie Gabuco (light flyweight)delivered the gold medals in the 2015 Games.
“It’s my first time to represent the Philippines. The SEA Games is also the biggest competition for me. I believe it’s a tough job for everyone, but I am here to win,” Marvin said.
Joining Marvin in the six-member boxing team are Marcial, Bautista, light flyweight Carlo Paalam, bantamweight Mario Fernandez and Rio Olympian light welterweight Charly Suarez.