Weight no issue for Magsayo
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 12 Jan 2022
Mark Magsayo.
The nutritionist who got Hidilyn Diaz ready for last year’s Tokyo Olympics will leave for the US today to join undefeated Mark Magsayo’s team for his title crack against WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on Jan. 22. Despite the rise in COVID cases in the US, MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons said yesterday it’s all systems go for Magsayo’s fight of a lifetime.
Magsayo, 26, has been training at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles with coach Freddie Roach, assistant coach Marvin Somodio and conditioning coach Pedro Garcia. He arrived in LA with wife Frances from Manila in July 2020 and has since chalked up three wins, including a knockout over former world titlist Julio Ceja last August to set up the shot at Russell’s throne. Magsayo’s team will leave LA for New Jersey on Jan. 18. “Ready na si Mark,” said Somodio. “Mas disciplined siya at alam niya nakasalalay ang kinabukasan niya dito.”
Nutritionist Jeaneth Aro said the WBC’s weight management protocols are unique in that reports are made 30, 14 and seven days before the fight to conform to limits. The close monitoring will avoid severe dehydration to make weight at the scales on the eve of the fight. “Meron kaming mga weight cut-offs na dapat ma-meet,” said Aro. She explained that under WBC rules, a fighter may go over the weight limit by up to 10 percent 30 days before a bout, five percent two weeks before and three percent seven days before.
Although Aro is based in Manila, she is in close contact with Magsayo and his wife. “Super disciplined si Mark, wala akong masabi,” she said. “Frances is very hard-working at masunurin. Pinoy foods lang lahat binibigay ko kay Mark, ayaw niya ng foreign foods. May rice at ulam plus gulay, tapos eggs and milk.” Aro said Magsayo isn’t choosy with fruits and he takes in whatever is in season. “Bananas, apples, oranges, grapes ang kinakain niyang madalas na fruits,” she continued. “Mahilig siya sa bulalo, actually. Nag-fried foods din once in a while.” Aro provides the recipes that Magsayo's wife uses to cook his food.
Russell, 33, was inactive last year and will end a layoff of 23 months when he takes on Magsayo. It’ll be his sixth title defense and he’s coming in as a heavy betting favorite. Early odds showed Russell a -714 favorite and Magsayo, a +400 underdog. A southpaw, Russell is known for his dazzling handspeed and smarts. His record is 31-1, with 18 KOs and the only stain was a loss by majority decision to Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2014. “I’m going through a man who’s prepared to place all of it on the road with all the things to achieve and nothing to lose,” said Russell.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
“Rumble in the Une” Makes History in Union City with Star-Studded Fight Card Headlined by Jacob Macalolooy
Wed, 01 Apr 2026Is Floyd chickening out?
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 01 Apr 2026Bacaro to challenge Toyoshima on April 4
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 01 Apr 2026IBA steps forward as potential organiser for Bivol vs Beterbiev trilogy bout
Wed, 01 Apr 2026PBF president Almario dies
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 01 Apr 2026Portland Trail Blazers have new owner after $4.25 billion sale
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 01 Apr 2026PH chess wizard seven-year old Noah Lucas Palcis finishes second in Bangkok chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 01 Apr 20262 Time World Champion Marcos Maidana Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Wed, 01 Apr 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 MARCH 2026: Itauma Destroys Franklin in 5; Fundora Dismantles Thurman in 6
By Eric Armit, Tue, 31 Mar 2026Panamanian WBC Judge Jesus Aleman murdered in Panama
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 31 Mar 2026‘I won’t be holding anything back! – Big Bad Bazley challenges The Pilgrim Ryan Williams for Heavyweight title May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
Tue, 31 Mar 2026ZAYAS AND BOOTS CLASH IN UNIFIED BLOCKBUSTER AT BARCLAYS CENTER, BROOKLYN ON JUNE 27 – LIVE AND EXCLUSIVE ON DAZN PPV
Tue, 31 Mar 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Full Card to Join Taduran Vs. Perez on Friday, April 3, at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. Live on ESPN Knockout
Tue, 31 Mar 202613-0 prospect Marco Romero hasn’t lost a Fight in nearly 7 years and he’s only 20
Tue, 31 Mar 2026WORLD ELITE SUMO ANNOUNCES NEW DATE – SATURDAY, MAY 16 – FOR LIVE PROFESSIONAL SUMO EVENT AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER
Tue, 31 Mar 2026