MASAM SPORTS 20: MARK MAGSAYO VS. GARY RUSSELL JR. TALE OF THE TAPE
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 22 Jan 2022
Birth name Jessel Mark Araula Magsayo
Alias Magnifico
Born June 22, 1995
Age 26
Official weight 125 ½ lbs.
Stance orthodox
Height 5′ 6″ (168cm)
Reach 68″ (173cm)
Ranking WBO#1, WBC#2, IBF#5 featherweight contender
Pro fights 23
Wins 23
Wins by KO 16
Losses 0
Rounds 119
KO rate 69.57%
Pro debut May 25, 2013
Residence Rizal, Metro Manila, Philippines
Birth place Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines
Last 10 fights
Aug 21, 2021 Julio Ceja KO10
Apr 10, 2021 Pablo Cruz TKO4
Oct 3, 2020 Rigoberto Hermosillo SD10
Aug 31, 2019 Panya Uthok UD12
Apr 12, 2019 Erick Deztroyer KO4
Nov 25, 2017 Shota Hayashi UD12
Jul 8, 2017 Daniel Diaz TKO1
Apr 29, 2017 Issa Nampepeche TKO1
Sept 24, 2016 Jose Robles Olvera UD12
Apr 23, 2016 Chris Avalos TKO6
Birth name Gary Allen Russell Jr.
Alias Mr.
Born June 5, 1988
Age 33
Official weight 125 ½ lbs.
Stance southpaw
Height 5′ 4½″ (164cm)
Reach 64″ (163cm)
Title World Boxing Council world featherweight champion
Pro fights 32
Wins 31
Wins by KO 18
Losses 1
Rounds 160
KO rate 56.25%
Pro debut January 16, 2009
Residence Capitol Heights, Maryland, USA
Birth place Washington, District of Columbia, USA
Last 10 fights
Feb 8, 2020 Tugstsogt Nyambayar UD12
May 18, 2019 Kiko Martinez TKO5
May 19, 2018 Joseph Diaz UD12
May 20, 2017 Oscar Escandon TKO7
Apr 16, 2016 Patrick Hyland TKO2
Mar 28 2015 Jhonny Gonzalez TKO4
Dec 20 2014 Christopher Martin UD10
Jun 21, 2014 Vasyl Lomachenko MD12 (loss)
Jan 30, 2014 Jose Miguel Tamayo KO4
Aug 9, 2013 Juan Ruiz UD10
Mark Magsayo is all prepared to face the biggest challenge of his boxing career. The big event will be on January 22, Saturday (Sunday Philippine time) in Atlantic City as the undefeated featherweight contender will shoot for his first world title fight. He is a 4-1 underdog, yet he says he is unfazed and will do his best to defeat American Gary Russell Jr. and grab the World Boxing Council featherweight title belt.
"This is my fight, my biggest fight, and I will do my best to win it and take this opportunity," Magsayo was quoted by DAZN News after the official weigh-in. "I'm very excited about what I'm going to experience. I have Manny Pacquiao by my side, who has been my hero since I was a little boy. My idol, thanks to him, I am in boxing, so now I dedicate this fight to my family and my idol," said Magsayo.
In the official weigh-in, Russell had to reduce 226 grams to make the weight limit of 126 pounds on his second attempt. Magsayo gained more confidence but is not complacent about it.
"Where my advantage lies is in the inactivity that Gary Russell has, because while he was out for two years, I held three fights, two in the last year," added Magsayo.
Russell answered that he is not at all worried about his inactivity or ring rust as he constantly practices and never stopped his training regimen.
“There are no concerns about ring rust. I’m always in the gym. I haven’t taken two months off from training since I was about four or five. Boxing is not just what I do, it’s a lifestyle for me,” said Russell.
Magsayo vowed to give his all for his country inspired by eight division world champion Senator Manny Pacquiao.
"I'm taller than him (Russell). I'm stronger than him. We have the same speed, but no matter what happens, I will give my best in the ring because I know that if I win this fight, it will change my life. Pacquiao told me to come and give everything in the ring to take the belt home," Magnifico concluded.
Russell feels delighted in the challenge that will be put up by Magsayo. He anticipates the Filipino to show his best fight and knows Mark wants the title severely.
“Mark is actually willing to put it all on the line. He’s going to go out there and give it his best. A lot of other fighters want to hide from the best. But I know Mark wants this badly. It’s a pleasure to share the field of battle with him," added Russell.
The whole nation pray for your success, Mark. And may you bring home your long dreamed title belt. Good luck and God bless.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
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