No rest for Magsayo
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 12 Dec 2023
Magsayo delivers a crushing right at Avelar.
Former WBC featherweight champion Mark Magsayo is taking no break for the holidays and was set to jump back into training at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles yesterday after knocking out Isaac Avelar in his 130-pound debut last weekend. It didn’t take long for Magsayo to dispose of Avelar who went down twice in the third round and had to be stretchered out of the ring.
Magsayo said he has no plans of returning home with wife Frances until there’s a new world title belt around his waist. It’s been over a year since the Magsayos visited home. Avelar was his first test as a superfeatherweight and Magsayo looked formidable. He began cutting weight, about 12 to 15 pounds, last July and easily made 130 the day before the eight-round bout in Long Beach. “Dala ko ang power sa 130,” he said. “’Di ako nanghina, sa mitts lang, ramdam ko ang lakas at tamang kondisyon.”
Mark Magsayo (C) poses with MP Promotions' Sean Gibbons (L) and Jimuel Pacquiao after Magsayo's emphatic victory over Avelar.
In the gym, Magsayo said he worked with coach Marvin Somodio on improving footwork and speed. “Araw-araw, practice kami ng left hook delivery para muscle memory,” he said. “Focus din namin ang depensa at timing.” Magsayo said he floored Avelar with two right straights then a left hook and another right straight early in the third and finished him off with a left hook. “Akala ko tatayo pa siya tapos natakot ako at ‘di siya bumangon at na-stretcher pero conscious naman siya,” he said.
Magsayo said with MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons laying the groundwork, he hopes to be back in the ring in March or April for a title eliminator. Before next year ends, Magsayo plans to fight for a world championship again. He called it his new mission.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Dainier Pero Continues Undefeated Streak with Impressive First Round Knockout on DAZN
Tue, 30 Apr 2024Jessica Camara Defeats Undefeated Former World Champion Hyun Mi Choi in South Korea to Win WBA Gold Title
Tue, 30 Apr 2024THURSDAY: Erik Bazinyan-Shakeel Phinn Super Middleweight Battle to Stream LIVE & Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+
Tue, 30 Apr 2024HALL OF FAMERS MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA & ERIK MORALES TO REUNITE IN CANASTOTA DURING 2024 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
Tue, 30 Apr 2024PPV.COM's Jim Lampley's Canelo vs. Munguía Preview Analysis
Tue, 30 Apr 2024Arca sweeps Dujali Rapid chess fest
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 29 Apr 2024NY Knicks Beat Sixers, Move Ahead 3-1; Clippers Tie Series With Mavericks
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 29 Apr 2024Lugay, Catubig win in 21K BLD Run
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 29 Apr 2024Panamanian legend Hilario Zapata inducted into the California Hall of Fame
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 29 Apr 2024FEDOR GORST WINS 2024 WORLD POOL MASTERS
Mon, 29 Apr 2024Megan Paragua wins back-to-back world titles in Albania
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 29 Apr 2024Asuela wins Gomez Jr. Birthday Chess Cup
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 29 Apr 2024JOSE RAMIREZ MAKES A WINNING STATEMENT IN GOLDN BOY DEBUT AGAINST RANCES BARTHELEMY IN FRONT OF HOMETOWN CROWD
Sun, 28 Apr 2024Boston Gets Back Versus Miami; Lakers Get One Against Denver
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 28 Apr 2024Lady Knights, Orlando-A win Panabo United Football Club
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 28 Apr 2024