HANGZHOU, China – Legends are born every four years whether it’s the Olympics or the Asian Games.

They’re glorified even more if their accounts of victories were earth-shaking or record-shattering.

One can also make it to the sporting lore by winning the coveted gold medal which is worth a whopping ₱3 million by Philippine standard.

But not in the case of boxer Eumir Marcial.

He suffered a 5-0 loss to Chinese Tanglatihan Tuohetaerbieke in their 71-80 kilograms showdown, a defeat that raised many eyebrows back home, claiming the Tokyo Games bronze medal winner should have been declared the gold medal winner.

So Marcial settled for a silver, which was enough to formalize his entry to the Paris Olympics next year.

But instead of joining the chorus of protest, Marcial accepted his fate graciously, even congratulating his World Championships veteran for his win.

It was a class act.

"Nakakahinayang kasi nakuha ko yung first round," said Marcial, who won the opening round after tagging the Chinese with a straight right for a standing eight count.

He even felt that he won the third and final round after coming through with clearer shots to the head and body through brilliant combinations.

“Yun ang randam ko,” he added.

That was also seen and felt by boxing fans back home, but the verdict of the judges can't be contested. Nobody dared. 

“But we need to respect the decision of the judges,” said Marcial. “Pero sobrang proud ako sa silver na ito, hindi lang silver to, ticket ko to para Paris Olympics.”

Marcial is not only a real warrior, he’s also a true gentleman for showing the virtues of sportsmanship – fighting with integrity and showing utmost respect to the decision of the authorities.