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.
Manila, Philippines: Boxing legend Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao continues to stand as one of the most celebrated figures in the history of the sport, with a career that reshaped global boxing and inspired millions worldwide. Pacquiao is widely recognized as the only boxer to win world titles in eight different weight divisions, a record that remains unmatched. Rising from poverty in the Philippines, he built his legacy through speed, power, and relentless determination, competing at the highest level for more than two decades. Over his professional career, Pacquiao captured 12 major world championships and became a crossover sports icon, headlining some of the biggest fights in boxing history. One of his most historic achievements came when he became the oldest welterweight world champion at age 40, proving his longevity in an era dominated by younger fighters. After stepping away from full-time boxing, Pacquiao shifted focus to public service, serving as a Senator of the Philippines and later running for the presidency. Despite mixed results in politics, his influence outside the ring further cemented his status as a national hero. In 2025, Pacquiao made a highly anticipated return to professional boxing, competing in a world title bout that ended in a draw. His performance surprised fans and analysts, showing flashes of the speed and toughness that defined his prime years. Pacquiao’s contributions to the sport were officially recognized with his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, solidifying his place among boxing’s all-time greats. Even beyond active competition, Manny Pacquiao’s legacy continues to shape the sport and inspire future generations.
Panabo City, Philippines: Former world champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas continues to push forward in his professional boxing career, showing that he remains a serious contender despite years at the top level. The 33-year-old southpaw has compiled a professional record of 37 wins, four losses and two draws, with multiple victories coming by knockout. Ancajas first gained global recognition in 2016 when he captured the IBF junior-bantamweight world title, a belt he successfully defended several times before losing it in 2022. In his most recent bouts, Ancajas has delivered solid performances, including a decision win in the United States and a stoppage victory earlier this year in the Philippines. The results have helped him rebuild momentum as he continues competing across higher weight divisions. Known for his smooth footwork, accurate combinations and ring intelligence, Ancajas has faced elite competition throughout his career. His experience on the world stage continues to make him a dangerous opponent for both rising contenders and established names. With his recent form, Ancajas remains linked to potential high-profile fights and possible title opportunities. Boxing observers believe another strong performance could place the Filipino veteran back in line for a world championship shot.
Belfast: Northern Irish boxer Lewis Crocker is continuing his rise in the welterweight division, establishing himself as one of the most consistent fighters in the weight class. Known as “The Croc,” Crocker remains undefeated in his professional career, having won all 22 of his fights, with several victories coming by knockout. His steady performances have helped him gain recognition beyond the European scene and onto the global boxing stage. Crocker reached a major milestone by capturing the IBF Welterweight World Title, a historic moment for Irish boxing. The bout marked one of the first all-Irish world title clashes and drew significant attention from boxing fans and analysts alike. Before turning professional, Crocker built a strong amateur résumé, winning multiple national titles and competing successfully at international tournaments. That foundation has translated into a disciplined, composed approach inside the ring. With a world title now around his waist, attention turns to potential title defenses and high-profile matchups. Boxing observers believe Crocker could soon face some of the division’s biggest names as his career continues to gain momentum.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The boxing gym is Antonio Vargas’ second home. “I’ve been doing this since I was 9,” he said. “Man, so this is kind of like all I know, and it’s a happy place for me.” On July 30 in Japan, the Kissimmee-born fighter will step into the ring for the 22nd bout of his professional career, facing former champion Daigo Higa — and this time, a world championship is at stake. Just weeks ago, Vargas was elevated to WBA bantamweight world champion, a moment years in the making. Even so, the title comes without the fight he originally envisioned. “It feels good, no doubt,” Vargas said. “But I wanted to win it in the ring. The champion I was scheduled to face got injured, so it doesn’t feel complete yet.” The moment represents a dramatic shift from where his life stood just six years ago. After suffering the first knockout loss of his career against Jose Maria Cardenas, Vargas began questioning his future in the sport. “Getting knocked out for the first time really shook me,” he admitted. “That’s every fighter’s worst fear.” Although he bounced back with two straight wins, the emotional toll lingered. The spark that once drove him into the ring slowly faded. “I was out of boxing for almost two years,” Vargas said. “It messed with my head and my confidence. I was working in a warehouse, thinking, ‘If this is my life forever, I’m not going to be fulfilled.’” That moment of clarity brought him back to boxing — not for personal glory, but for something greater. “My kids are my motivation now,” Vargas said. “I want them to see that their father fell, stood back up, and became something great again. That’s the legacy I want to leave behind.”
The WBA has elevated interim bantamweight champion Antonio Vargas to its full titleholder and downgraded the injured Seiya Tsutsumi to its champion in recess. In a document reviewed by The Ring, on March 25, the WBA championship committee ordered Tsutsumi to engage in mandatory negotiations for his title defense against Vargas. On May 6, promoter Akihiko Honda of Teiken Promotions informed the WBA that Tsutsumi was neither medically nor physically capable of defending his title. The development allowed the WBA to elevate Vargas, and Tsutsumi must next provide the WBA with a certified medical report regarding his treatment, rehabilitation and prognosis for his recovery by August. Vargas (19-1, 11 KOs), a 2016 United States Olympian, scored the WBA interim title by knocking out Winston Guerrero in December. Tsutsumi (12-0-3, 8 KOs), a 29-year-old from Japan, overcame a cut and knockdown on Feb. 24 when he fought to a draw in a title defense and rematch against Daigo Higa. Tsutsumi snatched the title away from Takuma Inoue in October with a unanimous decision win. Vargas, 28, won’t waste much time defending the title, and he’ll go on the road to do so. Amaury Piedra, president of Boxlab Promotions, told The Ring that he’s in negotiations with Teiken for Vargas, the first ever world champion of his Florida-based company, to defend the title by late July in Japan against either Tenshin Nasukawa (6-0, 2 KOs), Higa (21-3-2, 19 KOs) or Inoue (20-2, 5 KOs). “Antonio is excited to defend the title that he earned,” Piedra told The Ring. “Sure, we would have preferred to beat Tsutsumi for the full title. But we’re now looking at the other top three guys in the division. Nasukawa, Higa and Inoue are all good opponents for us. Antonio is a fantastic young man and no one is more deserving than him for what he’s accomplished. We’re so happy for him and his redemption story.” After his only loss, Vargas was cut from Top Rank after a first-round knockout in 2019. Piedra signed Vargas in 2022 and has promoted his last eight fights at Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida. As Tsutsumi gets his health straightened out, Piedra said a title unification fight would be likely for Vargas if he lands the summer victory. Other titlists in the 118-pound division include WBCP champion Junto Nakatani and IBF belt holder Ryosuke Nishida, who’ll be facing off June 8 with the vacant Ring title on the line as well. WBO champion Yoshiki Takei is the other titleholder in the weight class.
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.
By Lyle Fitzsimmons Keith Thurman has never been a conventional champion. Beyond his unbeaten record and résumé of elite victories, the former unified welterweight titleholder is known for his thoughtful, introspective approach to the sport. Still, even the most reflective fighters can bristle when doubt creeps into the conversation. As Thurman prepares for his long-awaited pay-per-view debut against eight-division legend Manny Pacquiao, questions continue to swirl about where he stands in his career. A lengthy injury layoff and an uneven return bout against Josesito Lopez earlier this year have led some to wonder whether the 30-year-old has already peaked. Thurman, unsurprisingly, has little patience for the narrative. “At the end of the day, Keith Thurman has the best résumé among all the young welterweights,” Thurman said. “Even with two years of inactivity, I’ve done more than anyone else in this division.” A Champion’s Résumé Thurman rose through the ranks by collecting interim belts before becoming WBA welterweight champion following Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s retirement in 2015. Along the way, he defeated elite competition including Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia, unifying titles and cementing his place among the division’s best. Though injuries sidelined him for nearly two years, Thurman returned in January with a decision win over Lopez, pushing his record to 29-0. While the performance drew mixed reviews, Thurman views it as a necessary step rather than a statement. “That wasn’t the best Keith Thurman you’re going to see,” he said. “It was a comeback fight. This time, with real preparation and real motivation, you’re going to see a different performance.” Rankings and Recognition Despite his accomplishments, Thurman’s standing varies across ranking systems. He sits third at welterweight according to The Ring, behind Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford, while other outlets place him slightly lower. Thurman insists the numbers don’t matter. “Look where I am. I’m at the top,” he said. “They can talk about Spence, they can talk about Crawford, but I’ve already been champion. I make exciting fights—that’s why Pacquiao chose me.” A Clash of Eras The Pacquiao fight represents a collision between generations. At 40 years old, Pacquiao is seeking to prove that age has not dulled his ability, while Thurman aims to establish himself as the face of the modern welterweight division. “Manny Pacquiao is trying to show he can still dominate at 40,” Thurman explained. “I’m coming off a layoff trying to show I’m still one of the biggest threats in boxing today. That’s what makes this fight special.” While Thurman acknowledges Pacquiao’s recent wins over Lucas Matthysse and Adrien Broner, he maintains perspective. “He won those fights, and he looked good,” Thurman said. “But now he’s fighting the current champion. This is my world title. This is a different level.” Confidence Without Complacency Though supremely confident, Thurman admits he never takes victory for granted. “There’s always a chance to lose,” he said. “That’s boxing. But I know I’ve trained properly, and I believe Manny’s style has never been a good matchup for mine.” Thurman believes the Pacquiao bout is not only winnable, but an opportunity to make a definitive statement. “We’re fighting for history, legacy and status,” he said. “I’m looking to prove that Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman belongs at the top.” What Comes Next Should Thurman emerge victorious on July 20, he envisions even bigger nights ahead, including potential clashes with Errol Spence Jr. or Terence Crawford. “This fight is the wake-up call,” Thurman said. “I get to showcase my skills, beat a living legend, and then move forward dominating the welterweight division.” As the boxing world debates age, inactivity and momentum, Thurman remains focused on the moment. On fight night, he plans to let his fists—not the critics—do the talking.
As fight night approaches, the boxing world remains sharply divided over the outcome of the blockbuster welterweight showdown between eight-division world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman. A wide-ranging poll of 46 boxing experts—including former world champions, current titleholders, elite trainers, and respected analysts—reveals just how close this matchup is expected to be. While opinions are nearly split down the middle, Pacquiao holds a slight edge in the overall tally heading into their Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View main event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Expert Tally Favors Pacquiao—Narrowly Out of the 46 experts polled: 24 picked Manny Pacquiao to win 19 selected Keith Thurman 3 predicted a draw Several respondents believe the fight is so evenly matched that it could be decided by a split decision, while a handful on both sides even see a possible late stoppage—an unusual prediction for a bout featuring two elite-level technicians. Why Experts Lean Toward Pacquiao Those siding with Pacquiao point to his experience, speed, southpaw angles, and championship pedigree. Many believe his high-volume combinations, footwork, and ability to rise to the occasion in big fights will allow him to outwork Thurman over twelve rounds. A number of former champions emphasized Pacquiao’s ring IQ and explosiveness, suggesting that Thurman has never faced a fighter with Pacquiao’s blend of pace, unpredictability, and pressure. Others noted Pacquiao’s activity level compared to Thurman’s recent periods of inactivity as a key factor. The Case for Thurman Supporters of Thurman largely focus on youth, size, and physicality. At 30 years old, Thurman is viewed by many as the fresher fighter, with enough power and athleticism to trouble Pacquiao if he can control distance and maintain discipline. Several trainers and fighters pointed to Thurman’s durability and ability to absorb punishment, arguing that if he can avoid early damage and establish his jab, he has the tools to edge a close decision or even score a late-round stoppage. A True 50–50 Fight Perhaps the most common theme among the expert panel is uncertainty. Many described the contest as a true 50–50 fight, dependent on which version of each fighter shows up on the night. Questions remain about Pacquiao’s age and Thurman’s consistency following layoffs, adding further intrigue. Multiple experts predicted a dramatic back-and-forth battle, with momentum swings, tactical adjustments, and championship-level intensity from opening bell to final round. What to Expect on Fight Night With legends, champions, and trainers split in their predictions, Pacquiao vs Thurman has all the ingredients of a classic. Whether it’s Pacquiao’s experience and volume or Thurman’s youth and power that prevails, the overwhelming consensus is that fans are in for a high-level, action-packed welterweight showdown. When the bell rings in Las Vegas, the experts’ predictions will finally be put to the test.
