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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Boxing devider Mark Magsayo outpoints tough Mexican

Mark Magsayo outpoints tough Mexican

Published Jul 20, 2025 09:46 am  |  Updated Jul 20, 2025 01:59 pm

At A Glance

  • The former featherweight champion got entangled in a full-length showdown before carving out a unanimous-decision victory at the expense of Mexico's Jorge Mata on Saturday (Sunday, July 20, Manila time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
By JUNE NAVARRO
Contributor
LAS VEGAS--On to the Thrilla in Manila 50th anniversary slugfest for Mark Magsayo.
The former featherweight champion got entangled in a full-length showdown before carving out a unanimous-decision victory at the expense of Mexico's Jorge Mata on Saturday (Sunday, July 20, Manila time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
''Pinaghandaan talaga ako ng kalaban, mabuti na lang maganda ang performance ko kahit umabot ng 10 rounds,'' said Magsayo after getting identical nods on two judges' scorecards (100-90) while nailing the third verdict, 98-92, as well.
Squeezing his way back to the top, Magsayo claimed the World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas super featherweight title on his fourth consecutive win since relinquishing the world title to Mexican Rey Vargas three years back.
''All around package ako ngayon, head movement, footwork, combination, everything. Ginawa namin lahat ang makakaya namin sa training at nagbunga dito sa laban,'' said Magsayo after raising his record to 28-2 with 18 knockouts.
The appetizer to the Manny Pacquiao-Mario Barrios mainer saw the 30-year-old slugger from Tagbilaran, Bohol uncork his brilliance in the fourth round with dizzying blows on Mata accented by a jarring right uppercut to the jaw.
''Nakita ko groggy siya. Nag-follow up ako pero nandyan pa rin, so back to basics na lang. Head movement, jabs, footwork at combinations,'' said Magsayo.
Magsayo gradually decelerated during the middle rounds and held his ground against the persuasive Mata, whose face got bloodied while stealthily looking for a lucky punch.
But there's little doubt that Magsayo was the more aggressive fighter atop the ring as the Mexican launched lesser shots, hits that never lethally found their mark.
''Natamaan ako sa right side (of the stomach) pero mabilis akong naka-recover. Thankful ako sa team sa training namin,'' said Magsayo.
In the end, Magsayo refused to waver and pressed on in the final and 10th round, bagging the regional title and elevating the bid in transforming himself into a two-division champion.
Mata lost his third out of 26 fights with 13 KOs and two draws.
''Bakasyon lang ako ng isang linggo, tapos balik training na ulit dahil meron tayong paparating na laban sa Thrilla in Manila,'' said Magsayo.
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