Magsayo eyes return to throne
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 07 Jan 2023
Mark Magsayo is likely to face No. 1 contender Brandon Figueroa for the interim WBC featherweight title at a still undetermined venue in March this year with the winner elevated to the throne once champion Rey Vargas decides to vacate and focus on the 130-pound division.
Vargas survived a ninth round knockdown to dethrone Magsayo on a split decision in San Antonio, Texas, last July and will battle O’Shaquie Foster for the vacant WBC superfeatherweight title in Las Vegas on Feb. 11. If Vargas wins, he’ll relinquish the WBC featherweight crown. If Vargas loses, he could go back to the featherweight ranks and defend his WBC strap. Regardless of what Vargas decides to do, Magsayo is going all-out to beat Figueroa. Since losing to Vargas, Magsayo has switched camps from the Wild Card Gym to the Brickhouse Gym, both in Los Angeles. He’s now fully under trainer Marvin Somodio’s care with conditioning coach Pedro Garcia.
Figueroa, 25, is a former WBC/WBA superbantamweight champion. The Texan of Mexican descent is 5-8 with a 72 1/2 inch reach, five inches longer than Magsayo. His record is 23-1-1, with 18 KOs compared to Magsayo’s 24-1, with 16 KOs. Figueroa’s only loss was a majority decision to Stephen Fulton for the WBC/WBO superbantamweight titles in Las Vegas in 2021. Magsayo’s only defeat was to Vargas.
“Figueroa throws a lot of punches, he’s a volume guy,” said MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons. “It’ll be a heckuva fight. Let’s see if Mark’s smarts, footwork, power and speed will be enough to beat Figueroa. I predict Mark to be back on the mountain top where he belongs.” Gibbons said the fight could happen within the first two weeks of March. At the moment, it will be for the interim championship but if Vargas decides to surrender the belt before the bout, the title will be at stake. Somodio said once Magsayo’s fight date is sealed and an opponent is named, official training camp will open.
Magsayo, 27, has logged seven fights in the US, winning six. Of his 16 wins by KO, seven came in the first round. Known as “The Heartbreaker,” Figueroa is a switch-hitter who likes to fight on the inside. “That’s where I feel I do the most damage,” he said. “When I’m inside, I go to the body and do my thing. I can box, I can brawl----I know a bit of everything so I can mix it up.” Gibbons said Magsayo has what it takes to beat Figueroa and regain the title.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Thunderdome 48 - Jude Grant vs Fano Kori
Sun, 24 Nov 2024World Boxing backs plan to create a new Confederation in Asia
Sun, 24 Nov 2024The message is clear – Asian Boxing Confederation remains united with the IBA
Sun, 24 Nov 2024OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOUNDATION HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY FOR EAST LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Life vs. Death: The Ultimate Ringside Showdown Immortalized in Pierce Egan’s Boxiana
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 23 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 284: TEAM MARK MAGSAYO CONFIRMS RETURN TO THE RING ON DECEMBER 14
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 23 Nov 2024RJP Boxing promotes in Bucana on Dec. 17
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Good Prospects at Minimumweight, Light Fly, Super Bantam and Super Feather in 2025
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma is the new World Senior Blitz champion; Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat takes the bronze medal
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 23 Nov 2024KAMBOSOS JR SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Sat, 23 Nov 2024INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2025 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th
Sat, 23 Nov 2024Ring Master promotes in Calinan on Dec. 21
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024NP Bansalan boxing team in Matalam
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024New York, Minnesota Biggest Trade Gainers; Los Angeles Has the Rookie Draft Steal
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 22 Nov 2024