As a token of appreciation for the feats of the Olympic Filipino boxers, Ang presented them with a monetary reward and vowed to assist them in establishing any SMC business of their choosing in their hometown.

“At a time when our country is seeing the initial signs of hope to recover from the pandemic, our Olympic medalists continue to inspire us to do our best and rise above all difficulties. As we wish them further success in boxing in the coming Olympics and in Eumir’s case, his next professional bout, we are also taking steps to further secure their future with the San Miguel businesses of their choice,” Ang said in a statement.

All pride of Mindanao, Paalam and Petecio received P5 million apiece for their silver medals while Marcial received P2 million for bringing home a bronze medal. 

SMC also awarded Filipino weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz a P10 million incentive for her gold medal performance in the Tokyo Olympic Games earlier this year.

With this, Ang hopes that Diaz, the first gold Olympic medalist of the country, will serve as an inspiration to the Filipino boxers in their future endeavors in the boxing ring. 

Ang also shared and believes that one of the bright lights in Philippine boxing is Marcial, given that in his professional debut in December, he defeated American Andrew Whitfield, and he went on to become the first Filipino pro boxer to participate in the Olympics and earn a medal.

“Eumir’s first bout is impressive, considering that he turned pro and fought his first pro bout following a long layoff due to the pandemic. I see him reaching the greater heights like great boxers Flash Elorde and Manny Pacquiao, who have long been associated with San Miguel during and even after their professional careers,” he said.

“If he becomes a champion in his division in the coming years and also wins a gold medal in the Paris Olympics in 2024, then he will have the unique distinction of being the first one to do so.”