LOOK: A message from Filipino boxer John Marvin to his supporters
The athlete makes history as first Filipino to reach Asian Games quarterfinals
Another Filipino sportsman has made the Philippines proud, as boxer John Nobel Tupas Marvin, also known as John Marvin, became the first Filipino boxer to advance to the Asian Games quarterfinals.
John, a silver medalist in the Asian Amateur Boxing Championships, defeated Nepalese boxer Rabin Thapa in the 92kg division fight on Sept. 27 during the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
The fight was halted by Israeli referee Boris Svyatocha after a standing eight count, securing John’s spot in the quarterfinals.
Although the English-Filipino athlete did not secure a victory against South Korea’s Jeong Jae-min in the quarterfinals, John’s spirit remained unbroken, and he viewed the experience as a valuable learning opportunity.
On social media, the boxer expressed his gratitude to his coaches, family, and fans, stating, “Asian games! What an experience. I don’t even know where to begin, first of all thank you to my coaches, my family, and all those who made this possible. I learned so much being here and experienced some things I could only ever even imagine.”
The 30-year-old boxer also reflected on his early days when he dreamed of stepping into the ring and shared his plans to continue pursuing his Olympic dream.
He said, “I remember watching events like this when I was younger, and I never thought I would make it this far. Yesterday was just not meant to be the fight didn’t go as planned and I didn’t get the win. There’s ups and downs and ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ but at the end of the day it is what it is. Like I said I am so grateful for this opportunity and I’m glad that this isn’t the end of my Olympic dream. There are still two more opportunities to get where I need to be to qualify for the Olympics in Paris so the grind doesn’t stop.”
Catch the Asian Games coverage until Oct. 8, 2023.
Featured image source: John Marvin’s Instagram
