SAN DIEGO, Calif., January 21, 2022 – Filipino fight fans worldwide celebrated their nation’s newest champion Saturday. Challenger Mark Magsayo took advantage of his opportunity, defeating boxing’s longest reigning champion Gary Russell Jr.
After Russell Jr. held the title just two months short of seven years, Magsayo is now the WBC World Featherweight champion via majority decision. Scores were 115-113 X 2 and 114-114.
The fight didn’t appear as close to many observers. Showtime Boxing scorer Steve Farhood had it 116-112 for Magsayo. Our scorecard read 117-111 for Magsayo.
“This is my dream, my dream come true,” said an emotional Magsayo tightly holding his WBC belt. “My dream since I was a kid, an amateur. Now I’m a world champion. I’m so proud I’m the champion now. Thanks for my support to the Filipino fans, and the fans here.” One of those supporters sent Magsayo a message via Twitter.
Mark Magsayo Manny Pacquiao Eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao, who is also Mark Magsayo’s promoter, congratulated him on his victory. Photo: Twitter
Magsayo (24 -0, 16 KOs) fought a smart, polished fight fu l of speed, attack, and solid punch selection focused on body punches and snapping uppercuts. Magsayo used his size and reach well, pressuring Russell Jr. of Capitol Heights, Maryland (31-2, 18 KOs) and driving the offense to win rounds.
Russell Jr.’s long absences from the ring between fights, family distractions, and a tender right shoulder caught up with him in his sixth title defense. Credit his undeniable skills keeping him in the fight at all. Russell Jr. relied on what he had left, his defense and footwork, to try and neutralize Magsayo, but his meager offensive output hurt him.
Magsayo landed 150 of 543 total punches, against just 6 of 32 total punches by Russell Jr. He outlanded Russell Jr. in all 12 rounds. Russell Jr. has one of the most active jabs in boxing. It was missing in action in Saturday’s fight. He’s often a slow starter, but his jab never left the starting line.
Magsayo: ‘This was my opportunity’
“I know that I hurt him in the third round,” said Magsayo. “I hit him with a good shot, so that’s why he got hurt. I took advantage of it because he was only using one hand. This was my opportunity to follow through. My coach (trainer Freddie Roach) was telling me to use good combinations and follow through. This is going to be your dream. He said this is your chance to become a champ on!”
In the second half of the bout, Russell Jr. was making Magsayo miss more often as Magsayo slowed down his pace. As a one-handed fighter, Russell Jr. did what he could with the l ft. Many fighters would have folded.
Russell Jr. hinted at the injury before the fight. He said he initially suffered the damage before the 2008 Olympics but had avoided surge y to his tendon by building strength. He s id he reinjured it two weeks ago while training. It let him down Saturday. He didn’t appear in top condition.
“I haven’t competed in almost two years. This is what true champions do. I wanted to step into the ring and display my superiority regardless of the injury,” said Russell Jr. He still felt he’d given Magsayo a boxing lesson.
“I couldn’t use m right arm, but I was still able to throw effective shots. I hurt t e shoulder about two weeks ago. But I went through with the fight because I’m a true champion and this is what warriors do. I’m going to fight regardless of what the situation is. I refuse to not compete and display my skills to my fans and the people that came out to show support and love,” said Russell Jr. “I felt like I still won the fight, to be honest.”
Russell Jr. expressed interest in a rematch; Magsayo deferred the question to his management but also said, “I’m willing to fight anybody. I’m the champion now!” Although he lost to Gervonta Davis, Leo Santa Cruz still holds a title and is scheduled to return on February 5. A Mexico vs. Phillippines unification matchup in Southern California is a guaranteed good time.
The 33-year-old Russell Jr. hasn’t ever listened to criticism about his inactivity. He wasn’t at his best. He will need to take a hard look at how much his choices contributed to the loss. He vowed he would be back. Fans would welcome Russell Jr. at his best.
