JAKARTA - Boxer from the Philippines Mark Magsayo is determined to win the featherweight title (57.1 kg) WBC version of Gary Russell Jr in the duel that will take place at the Borgata Hotel Casino, Atlantic City, United States (US), next Saturday.
Despite his status as an underdog or not being seeded, Magsayo was not afraid to face Russell's big name. He is optimistic that he can become the new champion in the feather division.
"I don't think Gary (Russell Jr) has ever faced anyone after he won the world title. I'm going to go out there to show him something he's never seen before and we'll see how he reacts," Magsayo told a press conference. reported by the official Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) website, Wednesday, quoted by Antara.
Magsayo is present as a mandatory challenger for the WBC belt after defeating Julio Ceja in the last match at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, August 21, 2021. This victory also continues his unbeaten trend in 23 matches throughout his professional career.
"I learned a lot from the fight against Ceja. It taught me a lesson about how to adjust in the middle of a fight. This will help me fight Russell," said Magsayo.
"I respect Gary Russell Jr. He's a great champion, but I will win the duel on January 22. I want to prove to people everywhere that I am the best featherweight boxer in the world. I have been waiting patiently for my chance. and I am ready to do my best," said Magsayo.
On this occasion, the 26-year-old boxer does not want to be compared to the legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao. He wants to make his own history for Filipino boxing.
"I'm not trying to be the next Manny Pacquiao, but I'm trying to put my own mark on the history of this sport and for all Filipinos. I'm hungry to prove everything in the ring," he said.
In preparation for the duel against Russell, Magsayo trained hard together with Freddie Roach who had previously led a number of boxers to become world champions, including Manny Pacquiao.
"I will be a stronger fighter against Russell. We train every day with Freddie Roach and we have worked on many different techniques that we will use in this fight," concluded Magsayo.
On the other hand, Russell is not an easy opponent for Magsayo. He is a world title holder who has a record of 31 wins and one loss throughout his professional career.
Russell has been the WBC featherweight world champion since 2015. Precisely after defeating Jhonny Gonzalez at the Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas, March 28, 2015.
After that, he was recorded as having successfully defended the championship belt five times. Finally, this left-handed boxer defeated Tugstsogt Nyampay at the PPL Center, Allentown, USA, on February 8, 2020.
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