Magsayo On Russell: “I Don’t Care Whatever He Says. I Won The Fight.”

Mark Magsayo Unconcerned with Post-fight Talk from Gary Russell

On January 22, newly crowned WBC featherweight champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo (24-0, 16 KO’s) pulled off a big upset by dethroning the longest reigning champion, “Mr.” Gary Russell Jr. (31-2, 18 KO’s).

AN UPSET OVER THE WEEKEND

During their rumble in the ring, the former champion suffered an injury in the fourth round. However, Mr. carried on fighting with one arm and was very effective. He often landed double or triple punches with solely the left hand and landed with uncanny accuracy.

Magsayo would fight back in championship rounds, landing body shots while charging forward, throwing a flurry of punches. With the fight being close, both fighters stood in the middle of the ring awaiting the judge’s scorecards. One judge scored a 114-114 draw that was overruled by the other two that had it 115-113 Magnifico.

In his first shot at a title, the protégé of future Hall of Fame fighter Manny Pacquiao edged out a close decision and was on top of the world.

RUSSELL SAYS HE WON BY A WIDE MARGIN

Russell, during the post-fight interview, let it be known that he did indeed hurt his shoulder and still out-boxed Magsayo.

“I couldn’t use my right arm, but still I was able to land effective shots and touch him at will […] I gave him a boxing lesson.”

Gary Russell Jr.

Furthermore, Mr. took to social media venting frustration believing that he should have won the fight by a wide margin.

“I truly believe I won the fight. Like I say, nine rounds to three, ten rounds to two. He couldn’t touch me! […] He landed two solid, clean shots for real, for real in the entire fight, that I can honestly think of. I out-boxed him, I out-pointed him. I out-classed him the whole way through.”

Gary Russell

A CHAMPION’S RESPONSE

During an interview on The DAZN Boxing Show, Magnifico gave Russell credit for being good in the early rounds before the injury. Moreover, he had a good comeback for Russell’s comments of winning the fight nine to three or ten to two.

“In the first three rounds, he’s good, fast, and strong. After the fourth round, he stopped using the right hand.”

“I don’t care, whatever he says. As long as I won the belt and won the fight, that’s it.”

Mark Magsayo, WBC featherweight champion

Reading Time: 2 minutes

By: Garrisson Bland

Featured Article: Sunny Edwards To Defend IBF Title Against Muhammad Waseem