By: Sean Crose
Brandon Figueroa 23-1-1 vs Mark Magsayo 24-1 Saturday night at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. The 12-round super featherweight bout was scheduled for an interim WBC title. The first half was interesting, with Figueroa switching positions to knock Magsayo out of his game and Magsayo landing some good shots. The second time Magsayo landed with more frequency. However, Figeroa was able to start in the last minute of the half.
Although Figueroa had his moments in the third round, it was Magsayo who controlled the tempo and made cleaner shots with an effective grip and movement strategy. The fourth round was again a positive one, but Magsayo simply delivered a set of punches. The man usually shows precise accuracy. The fifth time is near. Figueroa is improving its game, but Magsayo sill looks strong. By the sixth inning, it was clear that Figueroa hoped to win while Magsayo hoped to win with more lightning punches. It’s certainly a fun affair, down to the toe.
In season seven, Figueroa really begins to put it into Magsayo. One has to wonder if Magsayo has run out of gas. In game eight, Magsayo lost a point for holding the ball – something he did a lot, to be honest. Magsayo responded by firing quick, precise punches at Figueroa. Battle nine was a battle of attrition, with the relentless, powerful Figueroa perhaps the best victor. Figueroa had a great tenth to herself as Magsayo took to the ring multiple times without being knocked out due to possibly exhaustion.
The eleventh inning saw the referee deduct one more point for Magsayo for holding. Magsayo then tries to avoid the aggressive Figueroa. It was true that Magsayo had repeatedly attacked Figueroa with a bowing posture. In the twelfth and final round, Magsayo managed to somehow achieve a three-minute superiority. He has brilliant courage, so does Magsayo, Figueroa. Magsayo fought brilliantly, but ultimately seemed to have run out of gas needed to win.
The judges ruled in Figueroa’s favor with an outrageously widely unanimous decision.
