By: Sean Crose
WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr, 31-1, returned to the ring for the first time in nearly a year on Saturday night. His opponent? 23-0 undefeated Mark Magsayo, who fought his way to claim the title of Russell Jr. The match, held at Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel and Casino, was scheduled to last 12 innings.
Magsayo’s height advantage was evident from the opening bell. With that in mind, he knocked out the defending champion so many times in the first game. Russell Jr seemed to have trouble approaching his taller opponent in the second. Surprisingly, Magsayo continued to land effectively in the third round. Is there an uneasiness in the air, or can Russell Jr adjust and find his man as the game progresses? Russell Jr looked as if he was injured in the fourth season.
Between rounds, Russell Jr complained to the doctor about his shoulder ring, but insisted that it was “all right.” Give the man a big buck in terms of bravery and fighting spirit (he told the media earlier this week he was injured). The defending champion proved to be a slippery target in the fifth inning. Magsayo returned to land on Russell Jr in season six. With his right arm seemingly off duty, nampaw Russell relied on his defensive and left wing acumen in the seventh inning.
Russell Jr produced a remarkable effect with his left hand in the eighth round. Magsayo was quite hesitant in season nine. The tenth day is near. Russell Jr is clearly the more skilled fighter of the two – but he’s not one hundred percent physically either. Furthermore, Magsayao had moments where he was able to land well.
The eleventh game saw Russell Jr engage in hit and run tactics while Magsayo continued pressing on the action. The Filipino boxer had lightning opportunities, especially when he dribbled into the body of the defending champion. As an armed fighter, Russell Jr performed quite well in the twelfth and final round. The umpires ultimately ruled in favor of Magsayo, who stepped out of the ring with the new WBC featherweight champion.
“I believe I have torn a tendon in my right shoulder,” said Russell Jr after deciding to be read. “This is what true champions do,” he added, referring to the fact that he was battling an injury. When asked if he wanted to rematch, the former player was quick to give an answer.
“That’s right,” he replied.
