Filipino boxer Mark Magsayo wins WBC featherweight belt, becomes 5th active Filipino world boxing champion

January 24, 2022

Filipino boxer Mark Magsayo secured a majority decision win over American boxer Gary Russell Jr. and received the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight belt in Atlantic City on Saturday.

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Magsayo, who has an undefeated record of 24-0, succeeded in his first attempt at winning a world title, with two judges scoring the fight 115-113 in his favor and one judge scoring it at 114-114, reported Rappler.

During the post-fight interview, the 26-year-old athlete said, “This is a dream come true. This was my dream since I was a kid, since I was an amateur. Now I’m a professional, I’m a world champion.”

Magsayo won the WBC title that Russell held for nearly seven years, the longest period a boxer has ever held onto a championship.

The victory places Magsayo among the current ranks of active Filipino boxing world champions Rene Cuarto, Jerwin Ancajas, John Riel Casimero, and Nonito Donaire, Inquirer reported.

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Former boxing champion and current Philippine presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao congratulated Magsayo via a tweet.

“Thank you for bringing honor to our country by becoming the latest Filipino world boxing champion. Welcome to the club,” wrote the octuple boxing champion.

Russell, who reportedly sustained a right shoulder injury two weeks prior to the match, endured a barrage of jabs and counterpunches from Magsayo throughout the fight.

Featured Image via SHOWTIME Sports

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