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:
BEN WHITTAKER OPENS UP ON HIS AMERICAN DREAM, CALL-OUTS AND HEADLINING IN 'SPECIAL CITY' LIVERPOOL THIS SATURDAY – LIVE ON DAZN
Thu, 16 Apr 2026IBA partners with Global Boxing Series for landmark fight night in Navi Mumbai
Thu, 16 Apr 2026IM Arca finishes 2nd in Thailand Blitz
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 16 Apr 2026Cebuano "Money Punch" Elmo Traya Heading to Georgia for WBF World Title Shot!
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 16 Apr 2026Unfinished Business: Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright Super Lightweight Rematch Set for May 16 at Norfolk’s Scope Arena LIVE on DAZN
Thu, 16 Apr 2026Rhaki Constantino bags Asian HeyBall Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 16 Apr 2026GARNICA VS. CORREA SET FOR WBC CONTINENTAL AMERICAS TITLE CLASH IN LONG BEACH MAY 15
Wed, 15 Apr 2026IBA Board of Directors convenes for strategic April 2026 meeting
Wed, 15 Apr 2026Cadalso to turn pro in Juego Todo
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 15 Apr 20262-Time World Champion Shawn Porter Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2 in Las Vegas
Wed, 15 Apr 2026Former Coach of De La Salle University Taft-Manila finishes third place in Beijing Blitz Grand Prix
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 15 Apr 2026"When one goes to war we all go to war!" – Owen Corrigan challenges Mad Dog Micah Rivetti for Light Heavyweight title May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Crocs FC wins 3 titles in Football sa Bayan
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Chess Kings Ready to Battle in Pacquiao 3x3 Chess Team Tournament at Lica Malls 500 Shaw
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Manguyab to debut in RFL
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026