THERE?S no denying Mark Magsayo?s star potential.
He has the speed, the power, the movement, the footwork and most importantly, the heart that a boxing star possesses.
However, ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer and trainer Edito Villamor won?t brand him a star just yet.
?He has the potential to be a star but only time can tell as he still has a lot to learn,? Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu.
?He still has a long way to go. He still needs more experience,? said Villamor.
The 21-year-old Magsayo had a huge wake-up call after getting dropped in the third round by former world title challenger Chris Avalos. He, however, showed his will to win by rising and destroying Avalos three rounds later in an exhilarating fight at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Magsayo will try and defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) International featherweight belt against 23-year-old Mexican prospect Ruben Garcia in his second fight in the US on Sept. 24 in Pinoy Pride 38 ? ?Philippines vs. Mexico? at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
?This should show if Mark can bring the same consistency after his impressive performance against Avalos. No plans yet for a world title since Mark needs more time. The 126-pound division is tough,? said Aldeguer.
Garcia is an experienced fighter who has 20 bouts under his belt. He has an impressive 17-2-1 slate with seven knockouts.
Garcia has won back-to-back fights against unheralded opponents after losing to former world champion Randy Caballero.
This fight should be a good gauge of where Magsayo is at his career right now.
?It depends on what he shows in each fight if he is ready for a world title or not,? said Villamor.
Magsayo has already been training at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood under coach Villamor along with fellow ALA Gym boxers Donnie Nietes and Arthur Villanueva.
Magsayo, 14-0 with 11 knockouts, sparred for four rounds with World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Jesus Cuellar.
?It?s a good experience for Mark to spar with a world champion here,? said Villamor.
Nietes makes his flyweight debut in the main event against former world champion Edgar Sosa, while Villanueva faces Juan Jimenez in a rematch.
