Manila, Philippines: Filipino boxer Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo continues to push toward another world title opportunity as he rebuilds momentum in the professional ranks. The 29-year-old former world champion holds a professional record of 28 wins and two losses, with 18 victories by knockout. Known for his power and aggressive style, Magsayo has competed at the highest level in both the featherweight and super featherweight divisions. Magsayo reached the peak of his career in 2022 when he captured the WBCP featherweight world title, scoring a major victory over longtime champion Gary Russell Jr. The win placed him among the elite fighters in the division and added another world champion to the Philippines’ rich boxing history. After dropping the title in his first defense and suffering another setback in a high-profile bout, Magsayo responded with renewed focus. Recent wins have helped restore his confidence and keep him relevant in a highly competitive weight class. With his experience, punching power and improved discipline, Magsayo remains a dangerous opponent for any contender. Boxing observers believe a few more strong performances could move him back into the world title picture.
Boxing’s in-ring product is red hot right now. The biggest stars haven’t aligned yet, though we’re getting to some of those dates, but if one is just looking for entertaining violence then 2023 is nothing to complain about. Saturday night (Showtime, 9 PM EST) could be more of the same. Competing to either take the place of, or challenge, Rey Vargas as WBCP titlist, we have a clash of former titlists with complimentary styles. The last point is key and it’s why boxing has been so good lately. Matchmaking matters and the matchmakers have put the right pairings together lately. In this case, both men are in their prime with their first losses coming recently enough that the risk of another defeat so soon feels like real risk. The featherweight division feels like one in a bit of flux. Someone is going to settle some of that down before the final bell this weekend. Let’s get into it. Stats and Stakes Mark Magsayo Age: 27 Title: None Previous Titles: WBCP Featherweight (2022) Height: 5’6 Weight: 126 lbs. Stance: Orthodox Hails from: Rizal, Metro Manila, Philippines Record: 24-1, 16 KO Press Rankings: #3 (TBRB, Ring), #4 (BoxRec), #5 (ESPN) Record in Major Title Fights: 1-1 Last Five Opponents: 130-10-2 (.922) Notable Outcomes, TBRB and/or Ring Rated Foes: None Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: Pungluang Sor Singyu UD12; Julio Ceja KO10; Gary Russell Jr. MD12; Rey Vargas L12 Vs. Brandon Figueroa Age: 26 Title: None Previous Titles: WBA Super Bantamweight (2021) Height: 5’8 Weight: 125 ¾ lbs. Stance: Orthodox Hails from: Welasco, Texas Record: 23-1-1, 18 KO Press Rankings: #1 (BoxRec), #5 (TBRB), #8 (ESPN) Record in Major Title Fights: 1-1, 1 KO (4-1-1, 3 KO including WBA sub-title fights) Last Five Opponents: 124-6-1 (.950) Notable Outcomes, TBRB and/or Ring Rated Foes: Luis Nery KO7; Stephen Fulton L12 Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: Julio Ceja D12 The Pick: If Mark Magsayo were a proven bigger puncher, if he were someone we knew could make aggression against him costly at the highest level, Brandon Figueroa might look like he was in more danger here. Magasyo certainly can make an opponent pay but, whether in a win over Gary Russell or his loss to Vargas, the problem has been Magsayo sometimes doesn’t throw when he should. Against Figueroa, that’s going to be a problem. Figueroa is a violent body puncher once he warms up and, looking at recent Compubox numbers, even Figueroa’s warm up rounds are on par with Magsayo’s upside in terms of output. Figueroa has shown a good chin and by the fourth and fifth rounds, he should be doubling Magsayo in output. This could be an explosive contest and should be entertaining but Figueroa has more dimensions, more size, and ultimately he’s likely to drown Magsayo in leather. The pick is Figueroa to win, perhaps by corner stoppage in the last third of the contest. Rold Picks 2023: 8-0 Cliff Rold is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene, a founding member of the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, a member of the International Boxing Research Organization, and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America.
Don’t be misled by the lopsided scorecard in his favor—Mark Magsayo was pushed to the absolute limit on Saturday night. The unbeaten featherweight contender from the Philippines had to dig deep and rally late to edge Mexico’s rugged Rigoberto Hermosillo by split decision in the FS1 main event at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. As has often been the case during the pandemic era—particularly in California—judging once again became a major talking point. Judge Rudy Barragan submitted a baffling and indefensible 100–90 scorecard for Magsayo, his second poor performance of the evening. Dr. Lou Moret saw the bout 96–94 for Hermosillo, while Zachary Young scored it 96–94 for Magsayo, producing the split verdict. Magsayo’s blistering hand speed stood out early in a fast-paced opening round. Hermosillo, however, made it clear he had come to fight, snapping left hands behind a busy jab and demanding respect from the unbeaten Filipino. Magsayo produced the round’s most significant moment late, drilling Hermosillo with a right hand that momentarily rocked him. A cut opened outside Hermosillo’s right eyebrow heading into the second round, but the Los Angeles-based Guadalajara native showed no signs of discouragement. He continued to trade willingly as Magsayo stayed sharp with his right hand. A brief clash of heads slowed the action momentarily, after which Hermosillo resumed landing left hands. While Magsayo landed the cleaner punches in rounds three and four, Hermosillo’s relentless activity kept the fight razor-close. Though not always effective in terms of scoring, Hermosillo’s pressure ensured Magsayo was forced to work through every exchange. Round five marked the first clear instance of Magsayo outworking Hermosillo. A sustained body attack helped him gain momentum, though it did little to slow Hermosillo, who averaged over 85 punches per round. Hermosillo delivered his best punch of the fight in round seven, catching Magsayo with a sharp left hand after the Filipino lunged in recklessly following a missed right. Hermosillo maintained his forward pressure in round eight, throwing significantly more punches, though Magsayo remained the more efficient and accurate fighter. Responding to the urgent instructions of Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, Magsayo surged forward in round nine. The 25-year-old landed a fierce flurry that forced Hermosillo onto the back foot for the first time. Hermosillo briefly touched the canvas midway through the round, though referee Jack Reiss correctly ruled it a slip. Magsayo continued to pour on the offense, landing a crisp left uppercut and right hand while showcasing sharp lateral movement. Both fighters closed strong in the 10th and final round. Hermosillo’s work rate was no longer overwhelming, as Magsayo countered with excellent defense and precise right-hand shots. Hermosillo stayed committed to his attack, landing a right uppercut and left hand in the closing moments, but the fight ended with Magsayo confident he had done enough to preserve his unbeaten record. According to CompuBox, Hermosillo (11-3-1, 8 KOs) landed 181 of 856 punches (21%), a torrid pace that earned him one scorecard and kept the contest close. Magsayo’s superior accuracy and defense—connecting on 136 of 417 punches (33%)—proved decisive as he improved to 27-0 (20 KOs). The bout marked Magsayo’s first appearance under Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions banner following a 15-month layoff due to promotional issues. With momentum restored, Magsayo now sets his sights on a future showdown with featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr., hoping to challenge the elusive titlist during Russell’s annual ring appearance in 2021.
