FIGHT WITH DONAIRE A DREAM COME TRUE FOR MAGDALENO
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 02 Sep 2016
Jessie Magdaleno.
Jessie Magdaleno has long wanted to face 2012 Fighter of the Year Nonito Donaire, Jr. After knocking out Rey Perez last February 20, he called The Filipino Flash to stake his WBO crown against him.
When Donaire fought Zsolt Bedak last April 23 in Cebu City, Magdaleno's manager Frank Espinoza was quoted in Boxing Scene: "We'd like the fight to happen here (in the United States), but we'd have no problem going over there (the Philippines) to fight for the title."
Finally Bob Arum made the announcement for the two Top Rank fighters to exchange blows as co-main event of the Manny Pacquiao-Jessie Vargas WBO welterweight title bout.
?I was just talking about that the other day with my coach, how cool would that be if two Vegas fighters face two Filipinos, and we both win titles,? Magdaleno told the Las Vegas Review Journal. ?It would be great for Vegas and a great day for both of us. I hope it happens.? Vargas is also living in Las Vegas.
Magdaleno who is ranked number one by WBO, fought at featherweight in his last two bouts against Perez and Vergel Nebran and four of his last five fights were above the super bantamweight limit.
There were apprehensions on Magdaleno's ability to make the super bantamweight ceiling. But Espinoza guaranteed that his boxer would not encounter weight problems.
"He's working really hard right now. He's very motivated. There were some issues outside of the ring, but all of that has been resolved. He's very hungry, he looks great and he wants that shot at Donaire. Weight is not an issue. If the fight gets made, he's making 122 no problem," Espinoza was quoted by Boxing Scene.
"Jessie is ready to fight him anywhere...in Las Vegas, in California... Wherever Top Rank wants it to happen, Jessie is ready to fight him and beat him."
Undefeated in 23 fights with 17 KO's, Magdaleno is a southpaw and is considered a young and hungry challenger at age 24 years old.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
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