REIGNING World Boxing Council featherweight champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo stakes his crown for the first time against top-ranked and rangy Mexican challenger Rey Vargas on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
In a battle of unbeaten fighters, it will the Tagbilaran, Bohol pride’s first title defense. He wrested the belt from erstwhile American champion Gary Russel Jr., who fought with an ailing right shoulder, by majority decision last Jan. 22 at the Borgata Hotel Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
“My family had nothing. We survived on $5 (around P260) a day from my parents working in the local bakery. At the age of eight I was forced to get a job selling ice cream while all my friends were out having fun,” Magsayo told Lewis Watson, whose article was posted on the website badlefthook.com yesterday (Sunday), from his training camp in Los Angeles.
“It was tough but that was life. And it’s pretty typical of a family growing up in poverty,” added the boxer, who is undefeated in 24 fights with 16 knockout wins.
He said he did not know what boxing was until his family visited the ALA Boxing Gym in Tagbilaran in November 2003.
“I had no idea about boxing until my family and I visited the ALA Boxing gym in Bohol. It was newly-opened and they showed the first fight between Manny Pacquiao and (Mexican) Marco Antonio Barrera,” he recalled.
“This memory is special to me. Sen. Pacquiao was incredible that night and he alone inspired me to start boxing the very next day. I was utterly convinced that that was what I wanted to do,” Magsayo said.
Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s famed American trainer, will also be the chief cornerman when Magsayo steps into the ring. Roach sees similarities between his former prized ward and his current protégé.
“Mark has been a pleasure to train. He is dedicated to his craft and eager to learn,” Roach said. “And best of all, he has shown improvement with every fight. I am very proud to be his trainer.
