Overweight Russell makes second trip to the scale an hour later
Reigning WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. and unbeaten Filipino contender Mark Magsayo made their respective grades in the weigh-in ahead of their main event world title clash at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City in New Jersey on Saturday, Jan. 22 (Sunday in Manila).
It's all systems go as both Russell and Magsayo shared 125.5 lbs in the weigh-in.
During the weigh-in though, Russell scaled slightly over the limit at 126.5 lbs. He was given an hour to trim his extra weight.
Magsayo, for his part, thanked and credited his nutritionist Jeaneth Aro for the guidance after passing the weight grade.
"He's too comfortable for himself. He thought he already got the weight but that's his style, I don't care," added the 26-year-old Tagbilaran, Bohol native boxer in an interview with The Ring.
" more powerful. I feel strong even if I'm on a diet. I feel strong, the speed , everything. Perfect," added Magsayo, who rooted for Russell that he'll make the weight on the second trip to the scale.
READ: No ring rust for Russell, says Filipino challenger Magsayo
Magsayo last saw action in August last year where he scored a phenomenal tenth round knockout win against Mexican foe Julio Ceja in their world title eliminator, which earned him the Premier Boxing Champion's Knockout of the Year honor and WBC's Prospect of the Year award.
READ: Magsayo all set vs Russell
Meanwhile, in a separate interview with the FightHype, Russell admitted that there was a "slight miscalculation" on his weight and cited the difference on the scale that was used.
The American champion, however, said all is settled and that he's ready to rumble against Magsayo.
"We're right on schedule. I feel good, energized. Still feel good," he added, thanking his father Gary Russell Sr. as well for attending the weigh-in.
Russell, 33, has not seen action since scoring a unanimous decision win against Tugstsogt Nyambayar of Mongolia in February 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt at the sporting world.
This marks his sixth title defense since capturing the WBC featherweight belt in March 2015 against Jhonny Gonzalez of Mexico.