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Magsayo hopes to face Russell next year

Sports | Boxing

Magsayo hopes to face Russell next year

By Carlo Anolin

Mark Magsayo is determined to become a world boxing champion in 2022.

Mark Magsayo (right) knocks down Julio Ceja in the first round of a featherweight bout at T-Mobile Arena on August 21, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Magsayo won by a 10th-round knockout. (Photo by Steve Marcus / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

The undefeated Filipino fighter said he has been kept on track by MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions president Sean Gibbons to land a fight against WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr.

"Maybe a world title fight, Gary Russell," said Magsayo, raising his eyebrows with a chuckle in an interview with FightHype.

"I want to be a world champion. That's my main goal for now. I'm training every day, keep my fit in the gym every day, put my hardwork every day with coach Freddie."

The 26-year-old Magsayo earlier expressed desire to take on Russell after the unbeaten Filipino knocked out Mexican foe Julio Ceja in the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas title match last September.

He remained unscathed in 23 matches on top of his 16 knockouts.

Russell, for his part, improved to a 31-1 record with 18 KOs after defending his WBC title for the sixth straight time with the most recent coming against Tugstsogt Nyambayar last February 2020.

Meanwhile, Magsayo has nothing but gratitude for legendary coach Freddie Roach for the continuous guidance ever since he landed a contract in MP Promotions in March last year.

"He teaches me lots of techniques and how to properly punch accurate punches," said Magsayo. He teaches me a lot, I'm so thankful that my coach is a legend."

Related Tags

gary russell jr. Mark Magsayo

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