FORMER World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo vowed not to take lightly American Brandon Figueroa in their 12-round bout for the vacant WBC interim belt on March 4 at the Toyota Center in Ontario, California.
Magsayo, 27, said he’s thankful for the opportunity to regain his world title after losing in his first title defense to Mexican Rey Vargas last July 9 via split decision in San Antonio, Texas.
“I know I won that fight, you can see Rey Vargas just fighting to survive, but there’s nothing we can do but push myself hard against Figueroa,” Magsayo told BusinessMirror on Friday.
“We can’t turn back time anymore. So we have to work harder and smarter this time,” he added. “I’m very thankful to Mr. Sean Gibbons and the PBC [Premier Boxing Champions] for giving me another opportunity.”
He also confirmed that he already separated with renowned trainer Freddie Roach—a team decision, he said—and named Roach’s assistant Marvin Somodio as his new trainer and coach for the Figueroa fight.
“It’s just purely a team decision and Freddie knows it. I’m no longer training at the Wild Card Gym, but in Brickhouse Gym with Marvin,” said Magsayo, who sports a 24-1 win-loss record with 16 knockouts.
Magsayo’s fight organized by the PBC and Showtime.
Magsayo said Figueroa, 26, is “absolutely the kind of fighter you cannot take for granted.”
“I don’t think of anyone right now but only him and my weight,” said Magsayo, who weighs in at 126 lbs. “He is just my focus, my priority.”
Figueroa is 23-1-1 win-loss-draw record with 18 knockouts.
