Philippines, 02 Jun 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Magsayo's Big Day Has Arrived: Magnifico Will Challenge Russell for WBC-126 World Title Jan 22 in Atlantic City


PhilBoxing.com




His biggest fight is finally here, and his fans are thrilled.

Unbeaten Filipino rising-star “Magnífico” Mark Magsayo, hailing from the paradise island Province of Bohol, will climb up to the ring to wage the most important fight of his life when he challenges skilled defending champion Gary Russell Jr., for the WBC Featherweight World Title in one month time, on Saturday. January 22, at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey, live on Showtime.

ABOUT MAGSAYO

The popular Boholano sensation Mark Magsayo (23-0, 16 KO’s), wants that and he has been closing in.

Pursuing this fight, Mark scored the most telling victory of his pro career last August in Las Vegas when he stopped Mexican former champ Julio “El Pollito” Ceja (32-5-1, 28 KO’s) in 10 hard-fought chapters in a rumble in which Magsayo was down in the all three score cards.


Magsayo drops Ceja.

In that war, Mark decked the Mexican in rounds one and ten; while the Pinoy himself was rocked down to the blue canvas once in round five. At the end, “Magnífico” prevailed.

Notably, the 26-year-old Magsayo will star in his 6th fight in the U.S.A. as he steps up to the plate for his dream fight: a shot at striking gold and absolute fans acclaim, the priceless shot at the Featherweight World Title.

For the crucial title rumble, Magsayo is being trained by Manny Pacquao’s long-time coach, Freddie Roach.

The Pinoy can boast victories over Mexican-Americans Pablo Cruz, Rigoberto Hermosillo and Chris Avalos.

Now, the next in line is Russell. Will Magsayo defeat him too?

"I am very grateful for this opportunity to fight for the WBC world title," said Magsayo, a former ALA fighter. “This is the fight that I want. I have worked hard for years. I will come to win and take this opportunity.

“There's a reason why Gary Russell is a champion, just like there's a reason I became the mandatory challenger.

“This will be a great fight for me to show to the world what Filipinos are made of.

“I have had a long road to get to this position. I will fight to honor everyone who helped me get here," told Mark to PBC.

ABOUT RUSSELL

Meanwhile, fight promoter Tom Brown, president of TGB Promotions had this to say about the WBC-126 world champion Gary Russell:

“Russell has been a force in the featherweight division for years with his dazzling abilities.

“He will once again defend his title against a hungry and powerful opponent when he faces Mark Magsayo," Brown shared.

“Magsayo won this title shot from his impressive 10th round knockout of Julio Ceja last August.

“So Magsayo will seek to prove that he is the future of the 126-pound division by defeating the WBC featherweight king, a champ who has reigned for long time.

“Russell has proven worthy of his top spot with his 5 successful title defences.

“This show is shaping up to be an electric night of boxing in Atlantic City," the TGB boss said.


Russell defeated Nyambayar in his last fight.

Gary Russell (31-1, 18 KO’s), a native of Capitol Heights, Maryland, has held his WBC featherweight title since way back in March of 2015 when he stopped in four stanzas Mexican multi-division world champion Jhonny Gonzalez (68-11, 55 KO’s), to emphatically capture the belt.

Cool, the 33-year-old American WBC world champion belongs to a true boxing family: He is trained by his dad/coach Gary Russell Sr., while his 2 younger boxer brothers are undefeated super lightweight Gary Antuanne Russel, and unbeaten bantamweight Gary Antonio Russell.

Surely, the one thing the Russell’s love to talk about at the dinner table is about boxing.

Remarkably, Gary Russell Jr., owns a TKO win over the reigning IBF featherweight world champion Kiko Martinez (43-10-2, 30 KO’s) of Spain; as well as a unanimous decision triumph over Mexican American former world champion “Jo Jo” Diaz (32-2-1, 15 KO’s).

Most recently, Gary Russell outpointed previously undefeated Tugstsogt Nyambayar (12-2, 9 KO’s) of Mongolia on his way to securing the 5th defense of his title.

That was Russell’s last fight, and it unfolded way back in February of 2020.

Interestingly, Russell hasn’t seen any action ever since; while during that period of time the hot Magsayo has won 3 fights.

Will ring-rust affect Russell, while more activity benefit Magsayo?

In theory yes. That’s another reason why we need to watch the fight, to find out..

Hey, that doesn’t matter, thinks Russell. “I am ready, and I've been waiting to show my talent and get back in the ring.

“My opponent Mark Magsayo is one of Manny Pacquiao's fighters. Pacquiao is a legend in the sport, and I'm pretty sure that he has an eye for talent.

“I'm sure that Pacquiao signed Magsayo for a reason.

“I know that I am facing a guy who is willing to risk everything, with everything to gain and nothing to lose,” Russell said.

Then, fans wonder, will the skilled Russell retain his belt again with a clear win over Mark Magsayo?

Or will the fast ‘n furious Magsayo rock, stun and dethrone Russell to achieve glory and touch the stars?

Russell vs Magsayo for the WBC Featherweight World Title on Jan 22 is promoted by Premier Boxing Champions live on Showtime.

Good luck Mark!


Carlos Costa can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • IBA fully supports and endorses sex testing initiatives and invites all boxing bodies to embrace the same
    , Mon, 02 Jun 2025
  • OKC's SGA Vs. Indiana's Haliburton: The First Time in Decades Two Opposing Talented Shooting Guards of the Same Size and Lethality Clash in NBA Finals
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Mon, 02 Jun 2025
  • Knockout Punch: Cebuano AJ Paciones Powers Through to TKO Victory in Thailand, Edges Closer to World Title Showdown
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 02 Jun 2025
  • Thunderdome 50 Results: Perth’s Francis Chua captures WBC glory
    , Mon, 02 Jun 2025
  • PH chess wizard 8-year-old Marius Constante shines in Metropolitan Chess Club Standard Chess Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 02 Jun 2025
  • Carl Jammes Martin Shines in Dominant US Debut Victory in Las Vegas
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 01 Jun 2025
  • Yes (Pa)Cers, It's Indiana in the NBA Finals, Smothers New York Knicks in Game 6, 125-108
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Sun, 01 Jun 2025
  • GM Quizon rules 1st Bino Car Rental Open chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 01 Jun 2025
  • Pacquiao vs. Barrios Press Conference: A Clash of Eras Takes Center Stage in Las Vegas (Photos)
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 01 Jun 2025
  • Viva Promotions chief Brendan Gibbons slowly stepping out of his famous dad's shadow
    By Homer D. Sayson, , Sun, 01 Jun 2025
  • Stacked Card Unveiled for Manny Pacquiao’s Highly Anticipated Return
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • BEKTEMIR MELIKUZIEV DEFEATS DARIUS FULGHUM IN WBA SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR THRILLER
    , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • AFM Benoni Wabe Champ in the IIEE National Midyear Convention Tournament in CDO
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • Bektemir Melikuziev Edges Darius Fulghum in Thrilling WBA Title Eliminator
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • A Bridge to Plant versus Charlo is the theme for PBC/Amazon Card on Saturday
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • WEIGHIN RESULTS FROM LAS VEGAS: Plant - 167.2. lbs., Resendiz - 167 lbs.; Charlo - 167.4 lbs., LaManna - 166.6 lbs.
    , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • BAM: I WANT TO BE POUND-FOR-POUND NUMBER ONE!
    , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • QUOTES FROM TODAY’S “HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT” VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE
    , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • Reymart Soledad In Action for ABF Welter Strap in Brico Santig's Promotion in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • Konuk, Chaiyapong Make Weight, Collide for UBO Youth World 140
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • World Boxing to introduce mandatory Sex testing for all boxers that want to Participate in its competitions
    , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • 2025 BOXING HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY TO BE STREAMED LIVE
    , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • AJ Paciones Ready for WBO Oriental Battle in Highland Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • BOXER JEAN PASCAL INDUCTED INTO THE BOXING CANADA HALL OF FAME
    , Sat, 31 May 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 5 - ALI VS. FOREMAN IN RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Fri, 30 May 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.