Between Magsayo Becomes Unbeaten Featherweight Boxer In 24 Fights, Freddie Roach Receives WBC Belt

JAKARTA - World-renowned boxing coach Freddie Roach received a special WBC coach belt after leading Filipino boxer Mark Magsayo to become the featherweight world champion (51.7 kg).

Magsayo gave the belt to Roach after defeating Gary Russell Jr in a duel for the WBC feather division title at the Borgata Hotel Casino, Atlantic City, 22 January.

Reported by the official WBC website, Thursday, Roach is credited with making Magsayo the best featherweight boxer who is undefeated in 24 matches.

Magsayo also uploaded a photo on his Instagram account when he gave the belt to Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, Wednesday, February 9 local time. "I am very happy to present this belt to Hall of Famer coach and legendary coach Freddie Roach," said Magsayo as quoted by Antara.

Roach is a coach whose name is inducted into the USA Boxing Hall of Fame. Throughout his career, he has successfully brought a number of boxers to glory. Call it the legendary boxer from the Philippines, Manny Pacquiao.

The 61-year-old has also been the boxing coach of two-division UFC champion Georges St-Pierre in his multiple welterweight title defenses. "I was lucky to have coach Freddie behind me all the time," said Magsayo.

The WBC has awarded the coach belt since 2018 as a tribute to coaches who have been dedicated to bringing boxers to world champions.