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Title defense first, Santa Cruz next, says Magsayo

Sports | Boxing

Title defense first, Santa Cruz next, says Magsayo

By Carlo Anolin

Undefeated Filipino champion Mark Magsayo laid out his initial plans after savoring his first world major title since dethroning Gary Russell Jr. last January.

Undefeated Filipino champion Mark Magsayo (center) (Amanda Westscott / SHOWTIME)

Magsayo captured the WBC featherweight belt and ended Russell's seven-year reign with a majority decision win in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

"Maybe first we're gonna defend my belt. I'm gonna train still here in Wild Card Gym with coach Freddie ," said Magsayo after surprising Roach with the iconic WBC trainer's belt at the Wild Card Gym.

"And after that, I'm gonna fight Leo Santa Cruz," added the Tagbilaran, Bohol native titlist.

Magsayo, who holds a clean record of 24 wins with 16 knockouts, is slated to defend his belt against Mexican foe and former WBC super bantamweight champion Rey Vargas.

Like Magsayo, Vargas is also unbeaten in 35 matches on top of 22 KOs.

Final details, such as venue and date, have yet to be disclosed.

With title defense ahead, the 26-year-old couldn't be more excited to face Santa Cruz soon.

"I'm planning to fight Leo Santa Cruz now but they said not yet. It's okay. I'm gonna defend my belt first then we unify the belt. Leo, let's fight," he added.

Santa Cruz, for his part, earlier expressed that he wants to face Magsayo as well in the hopes of making another great Mexican-Filipino rivalry.

Santa Cruz, the super WBA featherweight champion, recently scored a unanimous decision win against Keenan Carbajal in their 130-lbs bout.

Related Tags

Leo Santa Cruz Mark Magsayo

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