PBA Yesterday Score: Complete Results and Game Highlights You Missed
Walking into the MGM Grand Garden Arena last night, I could already feel that electric buzz in the air—the kind that tells you something memorable is about to unfold. As someone who’s followed boxing for over a decade, I’ve seen my share of comebacks, but Eumir Marcial’s return to the ring after a considerable layoff was something I’d circled on my calendar for weeks. And let me tell you, he didn’t just show up; he delivered a performance that reminded everyone why he’s an Olympian and a rising force in the middleweight division. The fight, scheduled for eight rounds, ended dramatically in the third with a technical knockout of Bernard Joseph—a result that sent a clear message to the division.
From the opening bell, Marcial looked sharp and composed, working behind a stiff jab and controlling the distance beautifully. Joseph, to his credit, came out aggressive, trying to pressure Marcial early, but it was clear within the first minute that Marcial’s speed and ring IQ were on another level. I remember thinking midway through the first round, "This is the kind of precision you only see from fighters who’ve put in the work behind the scenes." Marcial’s footwork was fluid, and he seemed to anticipate every move Joseph made. By the end of the first, he’d already landed a couple of clean right hooks that got the crowd on its feet. It’s rare to see such dominance so early, but Marcial made it look almost effortless.
The second round saw more of the same, with Marcial gradually increasing his output and mixing in body shots that started to wear Joseph down. I’ve always believed that body work is what separates good fighters from great ones, and Marcial’s focus on Joseph’s midsection was a masterclass in setting up a finish. Statistics from CompuBox later showed that Marcial landed 42 of his 78 power punches in those first two rounds—an impressive 54% connect rate that highlights his accuracy. Joseph, by contrast, seemed to be fading fast, his defense becoming more porous as the fight progressed. You could see the frustration building in his corner between rounds, and I overheard his coach urging him to close the distance, but against a mover like Marcial, that’s easier said than done.
Then came the third round, and honestly, it felt like Marcial shifted into another gear. He came out with more urgency, backing Joseph into a corner and unleashing a combination that started with a sharp left uppercut and ended with a right cross that sent Joseph stumbling. The referee was watching closely, and when Marcial followed up with another flurry—I’d estimate around 12 unanswered punches—the stoppage was inevitable. At 1:22 of the third round, the fight was waved off, and the arena erupted. It was a clinical, brutal finish, and one that left no doubt about Marcial’s readiness for bigger challenges. In my opinion, this kind of performance puts him right in the mix for a title shot within the next 12 to 18 months, maybe even sooner if the right opponent steps up.
What stood out to me, beyond the technical aspects, was Marcial’s mental toughness. Coming back after a layoff—especially in a sport as unforgiving as boxing—is never easy. I’ve seen fighters struggle with ring rust, overcompensate, or lose that edge, but Marcial looked like he’d never left. His conditioning appeared top-notch, and his ability to stick to a game plan under pressure speaks volumes about his training camp. Rumor has it he spent six weeks at high altitude, logging over 100 rounds of sparring, and it showed. Those little details matter, and as an analyst, I appreciate when a fighter leaves no stone unturned.
Of course, no performance is perfect, and there are areas Marcial can still refine. His defense, while solid, was tested a few times when Joseph managed to get inside, and I’d like to see him work on his head movement to avoid taking unnecessary shots against harder punchers. But let’s be real—this was a statement win, and it’s hard to find major flaws in a stoppage victory like that. For Joseph, it’s back to the drawing board, but he’s a game fighter who I hope will learn from this and return stronger.
Stepping back, last night’s card as a whole delivered some thrilling moments, but Marcial’s bout was the standout for me. It’s fights like these that remind me why I fell in love with boxing—the drama, the skill, the raw emotion. Looking ahead, I’d love to see Marcial face someone like Jaime Munguia or even a veteran like Gabriel Rosado; those matchups would tell us a lot about where he truly stands in the division. For now, though, let’s enjoy this win and what it means for his career. If he keeps this up, we’re looking at a future champion, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what’s next.
