MAGSAYO-FIGUEROA PRESSER: Magsayo: "Expect a Brawl"; Figueroa: "Mark is tailor-made for me"
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 03 Mar 2023
Former world champions Mark Magsayo and Brandon Figueroa came face to face during the press conference held in Ontario, CA Thursday afternoon (Friday in Manila) promoted by Premier Boxing Champions to be shown live on Showtime on Saturday at the Toyota Arena. Magsayo and Figueroa will vie for the WBC featherweight Interim title and the winner will most likely fight Mexican champion Rey Vargas if Vargas will stay in the division.
Magsayo (24-1-0, 16KOs) lost his featherweight title to Rey Vargas by split decision in his last fight in Texas while Figueroa (23-1-1, 18KOS) lost his WBC/WBO superbantam titles to Stephen Fulton by majority decision on Nov. 27, 2021. Figueroa climbed to featherweight where he won his first fight in the division against Carlos Castro via 6th round TKO last July 9 in Texas.
During the presser, Figueroa was asked about similarities between him and Rey Vargas who are both long and rangy fighters by which Vargas defeated Magsayo. Would Figueroa use the same qualities as a recipe for success against Magsayo?
Figueroa's answer: "Yes. I have both abilities. I have the length, height. You know guys I can fight... I know a lot of people here, my dad, told me 'use your jab, distance. But to be honest, I look to fight. I go in there, dominate my opponent, break him down. Go in there. Take him out. That's my job."
Figueroa further said that he wants to make a big statement Saturday night: "I want to do everything to win this fight. I can box. I can get in there to hurt him with a body shot. I can fight lefty or righty. I have every ability to beat him. I want to make a big statement. I want to leave my mark and I want to make more titles."
Magsayo was asked what is the difference between this fight and with the Vargas fight: "For this fight, it's different. Rey Vargas is a running man. And this guy [pointing to Figueroa] he comes to fight. So big difference. Expect that there is a brawl fight there. Brandon Figueroa is not gonna back out. He comes forward. I've been prepared for this fight. I've preparing since last year, October, until now. We're ready."
More from Magsayo: "Whatever happens in the fight. Whatever style he's gonna do, forward, backward, everything, we're ready for that. We're prepared for that. I've been fighthng good fighters, good body punching fighters. I can take it. I'm not a big talker. I don't talk too much but there's gonna be a knockdown in this fight."
Magsayo will have Filipino trainer Marvin Somodio in his corner this time after having legendary trainer Freddie Roach in his corner the last five fights he was fighting in the United States that culminated in a world title victory against long time featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr on January 22, 2022 but lost the title in his next fight against Rey Vargas.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Full Card Taking Shape for ProBoxTV’s Martinez Vs. Aleem World Championship Event on Sat., March 21, from NOS Event Center in San Bernardino, CA
Wed, 11 Mar 2026Mike Tyson Invitational Announces Schedule of Events for Amateur Showcase Beginning This Thursday in Las Vegas
Wed, 11 Mar 2026Filipino chess players make a courtesy visit to GAB chairman
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 11 Mar 20263 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Shane Mosley Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Wed, 11 Mar 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 8 MARCH 2026: Opetaia Outpoints Glanton to Win Inaugural Zuffa Belt; Ricardo Salas, Vlad Panin Register Wins
By Eric Armit, Tue, 10 Mar 2026Brijhana Epperson and Christian Paez Highlight Day Two of 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup
Tue, 10 Mar 2026Beltran, Prado rule Samal Half Marathon
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 10 Mar 2026Meinke-Vargas IBF Featherweight Female World Championship Set for 12 rounds?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 10 Mar 2026Ruiz and Veloz Earn Dominant Wins on Opening Day of 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup
Tue, 10 Mar 2026Top Rank Signs Undefeated Lightweight Prospect Sammy Contreras
Tue, 10 Mar 2026153 swimmers safely complete Davao-Samal-Davao Cross Channel
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 10 Mar 2026Leading World Cruiserweight Contender Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki returns from 15-month layoff with another overpowering KO
Mon, 09 Mar 2026Roca, Bernardino share top honors in Tea Block rapid chess tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 08 Mar 2026Fastpitch Softball on March 20-22 in Calinan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 08 Mar 2026Opetaia vs Glanton: Dana White Crowns First Boxing Champion. Is Fight Worthy?
By Chris Carlson, Sun, 08 Mar 2026