Filipino former WBC featherweight champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo is set to battle unbeaten Mexican‑American Andrés Cortés in a 10‑round lightweight showdown on September 12.
The exciting rumble will serve as a featured undercard bout on the high‑profile Ryan García‑Conor Benn card at T‑Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The fight forms part of the main supporting cast for the evening’s headline event, where super popular WBC welterweight champion Ryan “Kingry” García defends against British challenger Conor Benn in a highly anticipated world title war.
The Zuffa Boxing promoted card will be broadcast in the United States on Paramount+, with international distribution via DAZN.
MAGSAYO: ON THE RISE, EYEING ANOTHER TITLE SHOT!
The 31‑year‑old native of Tagbilaran, Bohol, and former ALA Boxing standout brings an excellent record of 29‑2, with 19 KOs into the contest.
He made an impressive Zuffa Boxing debut last April 5, halting Ireland’s Feargal McCrory via fifth‑round TKO.
Now riding a five‑fight winning streak, Magsayo wants to make a major statement and position himself for a future world title challenge. Can he succeed?
A former 126 lbs world champion, Magsayo captured the belt four years ago by dethroning Gary Allen Russell Jr. via majority decision. He has since faced top‑caliber opposition in title bouts, dropping decisions to Mexico’s Rey Vargas and Brandon “Heartbraker” Figueroa.
Still in his prime and fighting with renewed momentum, the hard‑hitting Boholano aims to add another notable name to his ledger.
“I’ve waited for a night like this my entire career. I signed with Zuffa to be in the biggest events,” Magsayo said. “Andrés Cortés challenged me, and I answered. He won’t have his ‘0’ when I’m done with him.”
CORTÉS: UNDEFEATED, HOME‑STAGE CHANCE
Standing across the ring is the 29‑year‑old Andrés Cortés, who boasts an unblemished mark of 25‑0, 13 KOs.
Born and raised in North Las Vegas, he enters this contest fresh from a 10‑round unanimous decision win over Eridson García — on the same April card where Magsayo got his latest his TKO win.
Now stepping up in competition against a proven former world champion, Cortés views the assignment as the biggest opportunity of his career. In fact, it is.
“This is my opportunity to show the world what I’m capable of,” Cortés stated.
“I’m going to defeat Mark Magsayo on September 12. I grew up training in Las Vegas gyms and dreamed of fighting on a platform like this, in front of my people.”
🥊 STAGE SET FOR THIS EXCITING LIGHTWEIGHT SHOWDOWN
The rumble pits Magsayo's proven experience and championship pedigree against Cortés' confidence and an unblemished record.
For Magsayo, a win moves him closer to another title shot; for Cortés, victory would announce his arrival among the division’s elite.
Can the former ALA standout and ex‑champion Magsayo turn back the rising Cortés and inch toward another world title opportunity?
Or will the hometown boy hand the Tagbilaran-born star a stunning defeat and preserve his perfect record?
September 12 at T‑Mobile Arena — one thing is certain: both men intend to leave the ring victorious! May the best man win. Laban, Pinoy!
Written by veteran boxing reporter Carlos Costa in Cebu 🇵🇭 carlos@philboxing.com.
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