JAKARTA - Mark Magsayo has now transformed into a boxer from the Philippines who is phenomenal and rich. His figure is said to be able to continue the glory of Manny Pacquiao in world boxing competition.
But who would have thought that Magsayo's brilliant career started from a stage that was far from worthy. He grew up in a poor family in the Philippines.
Magsayo does everything he can to survive, including being an ice cream seller.
"I grew up in poverty and sold ice cream to survive, but now I'm a world champion boxer making a fortune managed by my wife," Magsayo was quoted as saying by The Sun.
Magsayo's name has gone global after becoming the WBC featherweight boxing world champion. That success made Mark Magsayo also an oasis for Filipino boxing after Manny Pacquiao retired.
Magsayo's boxing career began in 2003. At that time he was only eight years old. Little Magsayo was inspired to jump into the ring to fight the legend, Manny Pacquiao, who had just had one of his two classic fights with Marco Antonio Barrera.
At the age of 10, Magsayo who was still selling ice cream, decided to change his focus to boxing. With the hope, one day this sport can prosper him.
Magsayo's decision turned out to be opposed by his father.
“At ten years old, I train hard, I get up early to run and I train after school. I started boxing," said Magsayo.
“I fought three times and I lost three of my first three fights. My dad said to me, 'Mark, stop boxing'. But no, I'm still young, I'm still a kid and I'm thinking to stay dedicated,''he continued Magsayo.
Magsayo's determination then saw him win over 200 fights in the amateurs before turning professional in 2013. The Filipino won 11 times in two years before making his US debut in July 2015, beating Rafael Reyes.
Five years after that, Magsayo's life changed after joining the legendary coach Freddie Roach. Roach is the Hall of Famer who led Pacquiao to pound-for-pound supremacy.
His decision to become a student of Roah was considered very appropriate for Magsayo because it could lead him to train at the WildCard Gym, the same place where PacMan became a great modern player.
“It was also my dream to train with Freddie and a good experience for me. It's great to have a legendary trainer. He changed my style, he corrected my mistakes and I think I already knew boxing when I arrived here," he said.
After becoming a phenomenal boxer with the WBC featherweight world title, Magsayo will return to Texas on Saturday, July 9, to defend his WBC title against Rey Vargas.
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