Mark Magsayo experienced the highest and lowest peaks in consecutive games last year.
The 27-year-old Filipino tennis player beat Gary Russell Jr. to claim Russell’s 126-pound WBC belt in January, his first major belt. He then lost the title to Rey Vargas by a split decision in his first defense in July. It’s the roller coaster that’s his boxing.
However, Magsayo insists that the past is the past. He’s looking forward, especially in his game against Brandon Figueroa for the WBC “interim” title on Saturday at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California (Showtime).
“I won a big fight, I lost a big fight,” he told Boxing Junkie. “Now I have a great opportunity again. It was an honor to fight to win the world championship again against Figueroa. This is a great fight.”
What happened to Vargas? Magsayo got off to a slow start but got up to close, including knocking out Vargas in the ninth round. However, it wasn’t enough to win two of the umpires, both 115-112 (eight quarters) for Vargas. The third person scores it 114-113 for the loser.
Magsayo still believes he deserves the nod in that fight but he admits his reputation has suffered, which gives him extra motivation.
“I’m hungrier now,” he said. “I am about to lose. I need to come back stronger to prove to them that I am an elite boxer, that I am still a champion. I’ll get that belt back.”
He wouldn’t do it with Freddie Roach in his corner. He and the Hall of Fame coach split after working together for five battles.
His new head coach is compatriot Marvin Somodio, who previously worked with Magsayo as Roach’s assistant. One reason for the change: Fighters and trainers share the same first language, Bisaya.
“I am truly grateful for what Freddie Roach has done for me,” Magsayo said. “… I acted because Marvin and I understood each other in the difficult moments of the war. We speak the same language.
“And he was very good at studying my opponents. I’m lucky he can do that every time I fight.”
Boxing Junkie doesn’t recognize “temporary” as a world title but Magsayo (24-1, 16 KOs) could soon fight for a real title if he can get past Figueroa (23-1-1, 18 KOs).
The winner will be the first to challenge Vargas for the championship. That concept suits the revenge-minded Magsayo, though it’s unclear whether Vargas will stay at 126 or give up his title and gain weight.
Of course, defeating Figueroa will not be an easy task. The Texan is a boxer of extraordinary endurance who puts constant pressure on his opponents, which often brings them down. How do you resist that kind of attack? “The stabs and the blows to the body,” Magsayo said.
That’s only part of it, though. He believes he will win because he is prepared.
“I have been going to the gym since October,” he said. “I believe I will win because I am working hard.”
