Philippines, 21 Jun 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


MASAM SPORTS 10: I'M READY TO DO MY BEST AGAINST GARY RUSSELL JR. SAYS MARK MAGSAYO


PhilBoxing.com




WBC mandatory challenger and No. 1 contender Mark Magsayo together with WBC featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr. featured their world championship through a virtual press conference. Their showdown will be on Saturday, January 22 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, N.J.

Russell currently is the longest reigning male boxing champion and has held the featherweight title since 2015. He will fight in his sixth consecutive successful title defense against the hard-hitting Magsayo, who is fresh from a spectacular knockout over former champion Julio Ceja last August 21.

"Magnifico" Magsayo says he is very thankful to his team for realizing this title fight. He trained hard for three and a half months now, so he assured his fans he will climb the ring and face the champ well prepared.

He did not think Russell has fought opponents that have similar skills like him. The Tagbilaran, Bohol native will fight in there to show him something that the champion has never experienced before and see how the American reacts.

Magsayo added that he learned a lot from the Ceja fight. That match where he was trailing on the judges' scorecards gave him a lesson on how to adjust in the middle of a fight. He said the Ceja encounter will really help him against Russell.

“I respect Gary Russell Jr., he’s a great champion, but I’m winning this fight on January 22. I want to prove to the people everywhere that I’m the best featherweight in the world," vowed Magsayo.

He will show to the boxing fans all over the world that he is the best fighter in the division at present.

“I’m going to show the world that I’m the best at this weight. This is the fight that I’ve wanted for a long time. I’ve been waiting patiently for my chance and I’m ready to do my best."

He said he had great sparring partners to prepare for Russell. This is his first world title fight and he going to give it his all. "I’m not trying to be the next Manny Pacquiao, but I’m trying to put my own mark on the history of this sport and for all Filipinos. I’m hungry to prove it all in the ring."

“I know he’s going to bring his talent into the ring, but I’m going to show everybody that I can deliver a great fight and become champion.”

Russell said he is willing to compete against "whoever, whenever and wherever." But he added that he can't force these guys to enter the ring and fight him. He just have to prepare to the best of his ability.

He sees Magsayo as "a good even-handed puncher and leans a little more to the right hand." He described the Filipino challenger as having good punching power, but it won't matter if he can’t hit his target.

Russell is grinding himself in training camp. He vowed matter that he is not going to make any excuses or complaints.

He clarified that if he is going to move up in weight, he wants to fight the champion. He is not interested to move up in weight just to stand in line to fight for the title.

He is fighting Magsayo because he moved up the rankings and earned this spot. He emphasized that everyone who he have competed against has been the next best contender under the champion.

Russell said he did not have any concerns with Magsayo’s power. He seldom have to come back after being behind on the scorecards. Magsayo had to come back in his last fight because he was losing on the cards and that shows some holes in his armor, added Russell.

Russell never overlooked anybody. He wanted to fight Gervonta Davis, the WBA regular lightweight champion. But he said he is focused on Magsayo. He stated that Magsayo was the one who worked his way into this position to fight him. "Davis is in no rush, so I’m going to remain focused on a true warrior who’s getting into the ring with me."

"I know Magsayo will be at his physical and mental best. I take my hat off to him, because he’s willing to put it on the line to prove he’s the best," appreciated the Washington, D.C. native. "Finally, we have another fighter with some heart who’s willing to fight. I want him to bring his best, so we’ll see who’s best is best.”


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Weigh-In Results: Vito Mielnicki Jr. vs. Kamil Gardzielik
    , Sat, 21 Jun 2025
  • ‘LA FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS 2’ 6 P.M PST/9 P.M. EST TONIGHT, LIVE ON DAZN, FEATURING STEVENS VS. KHAMUKOV
    , Sat, 21 Jun 2025
  • YAFAI VS. RODRIGUEZ WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
    , Fri, 20 Jun 2025
  • Thursday’s Action Featured Stellar Showings at the 2025 USA Boxing Junior Olympics and Summer Festival
    , Fri, 20 Jun 2025
  • Finals Go All the Way to Game 7 as Indiana Bludgeons Oklahoma in Game 6, 108-91
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Fri, 20 Jun 2025
  • Araneta Loses on Points in Odd Judging Setup; Still no Japanese World Welterweight Champion
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Fri, 20 Jun 2025
  • Espinas, Cao Make Weight, Ready for WBC Asia Battle Saturday in China
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 20 Jun 2025
  • ASAPHIL Taps World-Class Coach to Lead RP Blu Girls to Greater Heights
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 20 Jun 2025
  • YAFAI VS. RODRIGUEZ + UNDERCARD FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
    , Fri, 20 Jun 2025
  • Press Conference Notes: Vito Mielnicki Jr. Set for Homecoming Versus Kamil Gardzielik
    , Fri, 20 Jun 2025
  • DUARTE VS. SIMS JR. TICKETS GO ON SALE TOMORROW, FRIDAY, JUNE 20TH
    , Fri, 20 Jun 2025
  • Day Three Finalized at the 2025 USA Boxing Junior Olympics and Summer Festival
    , Fri, 20 Jun 2025
  • Normel De Jesus rules IIEE Central Luzon Region leg chess tilt
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 20 Jun 2025
  • Thanongsak Simsri Edges Christian Araneta by Split Decision, Claims IBF 108 World Title; Could Vayson Be Simsri's First Challenger?
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 19 Jun 2025
  • Tokyo Fist: Brian Norman Jr. KOs Jin Sasaki to Retain Welterweight Crown
    , Thu, 19 Jun 2025
  • Araneta Scores Knockdown But Loses Title Bid to Simsri by Split Decision
    By Dong Secuya, , Thu, 19 Jun 2025
  • Indiana Must Control Jalen Williams, Challenge at Slot to Extend Series
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Thu, 19 Jun 2025
  • Pacquiao vs. Barrios: Intensity Builds as Barrios Warns of Bad Intentions, Potential Future Fights, and Expert Takes Dominate News Cycle
    By Dong Secuya, , Thu, 19 Jun 2025
  • Tickets On Sale Now for “Night of Champions” July 18 Live on DAZN from Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando
    , Thu, 19 Jun 2025
  • Undefeated Boxer Dante Kirkman Makes History as First Pro Fighter to Graduate from Stanford University
    , Thu, 19 Jun 2025
  • USA Boxing Junior Olympics and Summer Festival Day Two Concludes
    , Thu, 19 Jun 2025
  • WBC Legends of Boxing Museum reopens on June 22 in Los Angeles
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 18 Jun 2025
  • AFBC Extraordinary Congress declared invalid: Former Board's authority nullified
    , Wed, 18 Jun 2025
  • Winners of 2025 UTP Elite Eight Playoffs Named; 18 Junior Tennis Standouts to Represent PH in International Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 18 Jun 2025
  • Weights from Tokyo: Christian Araneta 107.6, Thanongsak Simsri 107.1 for Vacant IBF Light Flyweight World Title
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 18 Jun 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.