![Kiefer Ravena of the NLEX Road Warriors. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/PBA-Images1-400x200.jpg)
I can only offer my sympathy for budding basketball superstar Kiefer Ravena. I very well understand his desire to embark on a Japanese expedition. His athletic abilities and his proven fighting heart will be a potent mix for the Shiga Lakestars in the Japanese Basketball League.
By this time, Eumir Felix Marcial must have learned a lesson or two about humility. What transpired in Dubai’s Asian Seniors Boxing Championships, isn’t the scenario that we’ve envisioned it to be.
I used to weigh 220lbs then I got into boxing for six months doing six five-minute rounds with only 30 seconds to rest in between. After boxing, I ran on the treadmill for about an hour then did circuit training which involves jump rope.
It’s been 11 years and 28 fights since Charles Oliveira joined the UFC, but all that changed on Saturday. He made the most of his title opportunity, his first and only one so far since entering the UFC in 2010 as a skinny 20 year old.
Coach Noli Ayo, Coach Louie Gonzalez, and former MMA Champion Geli Bulaong do their work to help others without any fanfare or media attention, despite the pandemic, they’ve managed to work around and circumvent circumstances to continue their respective passions in assisting people to become the grandest version of themselves.
Marcial, who jolted the sporting establishment by going public on the lack of financial support as he prepares for the Tokyo Olympics said his top priority since he entered the national team in 2011 is to give pride and honor to the Philippines as well as to give help his family.
There have been only seven documented 100 points-or-more individual performances by a Filipino player in Philippine basketball history, at least in the high school, college and major commercial league levels.
![Eumir Felix Marcial [photo credit: Eumir Marcial Facebook]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/marcial3-e1620805332834-400x200.jpg)
The problem is Eumir Felix Marcial, who’s now a professional pugilist, though I sincerely believe that his commitment to the national cause remains solid as ever is fighting an enemy, an imaginary enemy or shall I say the wrong enemy.
![Shanden Vergara [photo from Shanden Vergara Facebook]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/152933267_3702356333211111_1734413611797966971_n-400x200.jpg)
According to Football for Humanity Founder Chris Thomas, Shanden is “doing some damage” over at LMU by scoring goals as a midfielder.
Philippine football needs all the help in can get along with any opportunity to get a shot in the arm, especially from a UEFA football mind like Owen’s.