Column: Magsayo, an Impressive New Generation Warrior; Bright Future Ahead (Photos)
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 11 Jul 2017
Pinoy Pride 41 last Saturday was another ALA success, delivering excitement to fans in attendance, each combat not failing to thrill and entertain; especially the main event, in which Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo (17-0, 13 KO's) ravaged Nicaraguan veteran Daniel "El General" Diaz rocking him down to the floor three times, ending him in 1:45 of round 1.
Diaz tried to score some left jabs during the initial seconds of the quick combat, but Magsayo had absolutely no trouble with the Nicaraguan's timid stance countering him violently with his first power combination rocketing Danel "El General" to the blue canvas of the IEC Convention Center.
"El General" got up in unsteady legs and groggy head to again being caught clean and hard with more damaging blows in stormy combination, all blows to head of Diaz, which propelled the lanky visiting boxer down again near the ropes.
The second getting up was much more agonizing for Diaz; and perhaps it would have been wise to call it quits right there. But Diaz did not quit.
Diaz was a brave wounded warrior who walked-in towards more fire with the Pinoy Pride star, and we all know what happened.
Magsayo Desintegrates Diaz in One Round in Cebu.
Magsayo Rocks down El General Diaz in Round 1.
Fast and Furious, Magsayo did not waste a split second in burring El General who was flat on his back was counted out.
At no instance during the 105 seconds of the fight, "El General" had any kind of answer to the quickness of moves and power of the world-ranked FIlipino.
Sad to say, but Cebu fans might as well have seen the last hurray of Diaz's 13-year pro boxing career.
In fact, Diaz was semi-retired. He did not fight at all in 2016. Prior to Magsayo, Diaz had only one easy win against an unheard-off patsy and now this debacle in Cebu. At 33 years-of-age, El General's boxing career seem to be going to no more wars.
Diaz Flat on his back Knocked Out. Time was 1 minute 45 seconds of Round 1.
A true sportsman Magsayo cares for his fallen opponent. This noble action makes him look Magnifico.
In contrast, Magasayo look just like flying.
The 22-year-old born in Tacloban -- now a welcomed Cebuano -- was extremely fast and accurate to the delight of his growing number of followers.
He landed his combinations with devastating thrust and lightning quickness; which prompted Cebu fans and observers alike to be convinced that Mark Magsayo's has enormous potential; many fans already considering him a world champion in the making.
Magsayo might not be ready for a world title shot yet. But, under the hands of his experienced coach Edito Ala Villamor and manager Michael Aldeguer, Magsayo is walking in the right direction.
Moreover, with the win, "Magnifico" reaffirms himself as one of the two highest-ranked featherweight in the WBO; aiming at one day becoming a challenger of the world champion.
Currently, the 126-pound world champion is undefeated hard-hitting Mexican star Oscar Valdes (22-0, 19 KO's). Valdes is a Top Rank fighter.
The # 1 ranked is unbeaten Mexican-American Joseph Diaz (24-0, 13 KO's), a Golden Boy fighter, and a member of the USA boxing team to the 2012 Olympics.
Important to me, after the dramatic knock out that Magsayo prescribed to Diaz, the Filipino went on to talk and hug his fallen opponent. That looked good as boxing is a sport of noble people. Magsayo's beautiful sportsmanlike gesture towards Diaz, in my mind, made Magsayo look even more "Magnifico!"
The author Carlos Costa of Panama is a boxing reporter and photographer who has covered fights from around the world, from amateur tournaments in Cuba to mega fights in Las Vegas, the MSG and much more. For boxing things, you may contact Carlos. Cellphone +639184538152 and email: carlos512@hotmail.com
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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