Philippines, 14 May 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


MAGSAYO DROPS VARGAS BUT LOSES BY SPLIT DECISION


PhilBoxing.com



Magsayo (L) connects the right that drops Vargas in the 9th round.

Mark Magsayo of the Philippines failed to defend his WBC featherweight belt as he lost to Rey Vargas of Mexico by split decision at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas Saturday night (Sunday in Manila) broadcast live on Showtime. Judges Tim Cheatham and David Sutherland scored the fight 115 to 112 in Vargas's favor while Jesse Reyes had it 114-113 for Magsayo.

Magsayo scored a knockdown in the 9th round but failed to capitalize on it as he allowed Vargas to cruise to victory the rest of the fight.

Both Magsayo and Vargas needed no feeling out as they started the fight on fire exchanging loaded shots right the opening bell which was unexpected for Vargas as Magsayo's camp and experts expected him to fight from a distance.


Vargas and Magsayo fight fire with fire most of the night.

In the third round, the lanky Vargas begun to control the fight by trying to throw his punches from a safe distance making it difficult for the shorter Magsayo to penetrate inside. Magsayo had his moments, specially in the 5th round where he was able to connect with solid shots but by and large Vargas had the fight in total control up until Magsayo scored a knockdown with a right straight in the 9th round.

In the 10th round, with Vargas visibly hurt and appeated to lost his balance, Magsayo failed to put the pressure on the Mexican throwing minimal punches and instead waiting to unleash his knockout punch. Vargas wisely avoided engaging with Magsayo the rest of the fight to secure the victory.

Vargas who remained undefeated and improved his record to 36 wins with 22 knockouts, thus captured his second division title after previously becoming champion as a super bantamweight.

Magsayo (24-1-0, 16KOs) absorbed the first defeat of his career and his loss left the Philippines with no world champion at the moment after a string of loses by former world champions Jerwin Ancajas, Nonito Donaire and Rene Mark Cuarto this year.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Paras ready to face Yokoyama on June 6
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 14 May 2026
  • Keyshawn Davis vs. Nahir Albright II Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
    , Thu, 14 May 2026
  • Champion Outside the Ring: Gustavo Trujillo and Bio Cell Wellness Group Support Children with Autism Through Life-Changing Therapies
    , Thu, 14 May 2026
  • IBA and WBA successfully deliver first joint professional training course for referees and judges
    , Wed, 13 May 2026
  • GAB to give managers, matchmakers and trainers 3 years license
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 13 May 2026
  • ROBIN “ROBZ” SAFAR TO FACE ARGENTINA’S HIGHLY RATED YAMIL PERALTA FOR WBC SILVER CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE
    , Wed, 13 May 2026
  • Influencer/boxer Brooklyn Barwick anxious to Bounce back from first loss this Saturday in South Carolina
    , Wed, 13 May 2026
  • Mama ready to facer Ayala in Mexico
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 13 May 2026
  • Demecillo to fight undefeated Martin on May 16
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 13 May 2026
  • ‘Rumble at the Rink II’ card to feature Pro Boxing & Sports Entertainment Experience this Saturday in Quincy (MA)
    , Wed, 13 May 2026
  • Oberio, Bernardino, Talaboc power QC past Isabela in PCAP chess tilt
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 13 May 2026
  • WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán on Barcelona-Real Madrid La Liga finals
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 12 May 2026
  • Canadian Cruiserweight Contender Ryan Rozicki Fires Warning Shot at Chris Billam-Smith Ahead of Zuffa Boxing 07 showdown on June 6
    , Tue, 12 May 2026
  • Judgement Day coming this Friday In Germany for Paddy Donovan
    , Tue, 12 May 2026
  • Six Rounds to Silence the Magic Man: Why Rolando Dy is Malignaggi’s Worst Nightmare
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Mon, 11 May 2026
  • The Eternal Contender: Inside Nonito Donaire’s Record-Breaking Title Run
    By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 11 May 2026
  • Boxing trio reunited up there
    By Joaquin Henson, , Mon, 11 May 2026
  • 1st CK Ingles Chess Kings Set to Kick Off
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 11 May 2026
  • Zhu Outguns "The Assassin" Ian Abne in Cebu Thriller, Earns Shot at IBF Champ Taduran
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 10 May 2026
  • Arañas Survives Harsh Knockdown, Stops Noynay to Claim WBF Strap in Cebu (Fist of Fury X Results)
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 10 May 2026
  • Mindoro faces strong Mexican opponent
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 10 May 2026
  • Blood, Grit, and Iron: Zhu Outlasts Abne in a Cebu War
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 10 May 2026
  • Tickets ON SALE NOW for Abdullah Mason-Joe Cordina at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center
    , Sat, 09 May 2026
  • IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia bags gold in ASEAN E-Sports chess qualifying round
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 09 May 2026
  • Wardley vs Dubois: Heavyweight Tussle in Manchester
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 09 May 2026




  •  



     
    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
    © 2026 philboxing.com.