In a hard-fought battle, unbeaten Boholano warrior Mark Magsayo put enough pressure, courage and determination over retreating veteran Gary Russell Jr., earning a well-deserved majority decision win to become The New WBC Featherweight World Champion today in Atlantic City.
Close scorecards were 114-114 and 115-113 (twice) in favor of the 26-year-old Filipino born in Tagbilaran, handled by the G.O.A.T. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.
Magsayo unloads a right uppercut a Russell.
Early on in the rumble, it became clear that Gary Russell got his right shoulder hurt, a situation that might have affected his performance. That’s what he assured during Showtime's post-fight interview.
Still, Magsayo did what he had to do. He came forward throwing punch after punch for the belt, dishing out more blows than the 33-year-old Russell, rightfully deserving the most important victory of his career.
And the new! Magsayo (R) reacts after being declared the winner.
Showtime's Jim Gray interviews Magsayo.
"Now I am ready to fight anybody. I am the champion, yeah woooo!!" said an smiling, jubilant Mark “Magnifico" Magsayo, the former ALA star who in his 24th fight becomes the Featherweight boxing star. ⭐️
Immediately after the fantastic win, his promoter, the great Pacman, twitted:
"Congratulations Mark Mark Magnifico Magsayo on your first world championship! Thank you for bringing honor to our Country by becoming the latest Filipino World Champion. Welcome to the Club.”
Congratulations to the New World Champion Mark Magsayo!!!
The author Carlos Costa can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com
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