Magsayo aims to cut down Vargas
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 05 Jul 2022
WBC featherweight champion Mark Magsayo is the only Filipino world titlist standing and he’s determined to turn back Mexican challenger Rey Vargas at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday night (Sunday morning, Manila time) to keep the flag flying. Magsayo and his team will leave Los Angeles today for San Antonio where Manny Pacquiao stopped Marco Antonio Barrera in 2003 and Jorge Solis in 2007. The Alamodome was the San Antonio Spurs’ home in the NBA before transferring to the AT&T Center in 2002.
It won’t only be a battle between fighters but also between Hall of Fame trainers. Magsayo is coached by Freddie Roach and Vargas by Nacho Beristain. Joining Roach in Magsayo’s corner will be assistant coach Marvin Somodio, cutman Mike Rodriguez and MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons’ son Brendan. Also in Magsayo’s team are his wife Frances, nutritionist Jeaneth Aro and strength/conditioning coach Pedro Garcia.
“Mark’s the new face of Philippine boxing,” said Gibbons. “I don’t consider Vargas a puncher and he’ll try to outbox Mark but Mark will cut him down. It’ll be a late knockout win for Mark, maybe in the 10th round. His work in the gym has been amazing. He’s stronger, his defense is tighter, his footwork is shiftier and his combinations are quicker.” Somodio said Magsayo has the tools to stop Vargas. “Sa tingin ko, kayang i-knockout ni Mark si Vargas pero focus kami kung paano manalo,” he said. “Malakas din si Vargas pero mas malakas si Mark. Mas mature na si Mark, maganda kondisyon sa tulong ni Jeaneth at Pedro.”
Magsayo, 27, wrested the WBC diadem from Gary Russell on a majority 12-round decision in Atlantic City last January. The win raised his record to 24-0 with 16 KOs. Vargas, 31, was the WBC superbantamweight champion and after five successful defenses, relinquished the throne to move up to featherweight. Vargas broke a leg during a training run and was inactive for over two years, prompting the WBC to declare him a champion-in-recess. Then he decided to invade the 126-pound division.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Vicelles fights in Japan on Sept. 7
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 03 Sep 2025Yoelvis Gomez Speaks After Winning the WBA Continental Latin America Title
Wed, 03 Sep 2025Connor Coyle sets the record straight ‘Clean from Day One. Never cheated, never will’
Wed, 03 Sep 2025Requito stops Bambam in 3rd round
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 03 Sep 2025Villarosa draws with Labajo, Enano wins
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 02 Sep 2025Suarez, Magsayo Reliving High Point in PH Boxing at Super Featherweights
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 02 Sep 2025Pacman back into full-time boxing
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 02 Sep 2025Unbeaten Laurente Dominates Marapu to Capture IBF Pan-Pacific Lightweight Crown; Gaballo Wins in Co-Main Event
Tue, 02 Sep 2025Thunderdome 51 Review: Perth’s Joel Lewis claims title with stunning knockout
Tue, 02 Sep 2025Paulette Cuesta and Susy Kandy Sandoval Set for Highly Anticipated Rematch in Tijuana
Tue, 02 Sep 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 31 August 2025
By Eric Armit, Mon, 01 Sep 2025Gaballo, Laurente prevail in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 01 Sep 2025Paalam leads ABAP team in Liverpool
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 01 Sep 2025OKC Thunder Favored to Repeat as NBA Champs
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 01 Sep 2025Pacman sets ‘Thrilla’ commemoration
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 31 Aug 2025