By REYNALD MAGALLON
The ‘Pacman’ proteges Mark Magsayo and Eumir Marcial are determined to roll out the red carpet for Manny Pacquiao in style when they gun for victories in the undercard of the Filipino Hall of Famer’s World Boxing Council (WBC) world welterweight championship fight against Mario Barrios.
Magsayo is fighting against Mexico’s Jorge Mata Cullar in a 10-round super featherweight fight while Marcial is taking on American Bernard Joseph who is a late replacement to his initial opponent Alexis Gaytan in their own eight rounder middleweight bout.
Both Magsayo and Marcial trained alongside Pacquiao at the Wildcard Gym in preparation for their respective bouts and they are naturally motivated to do well to give a fitting appetizer to the main event.
Magsayo, sporting a 27-2 record with 18 knockouts, has been undefeated in the 130lbs division and is currently rated second in the WBC rankings and third in the World Boxing Organization (WBO).
The 30-year-old pride of Tagbilaran City, however, isn’t to be complacent against Cullar, who boasts a 22-2-2 record.
“I think this will be a toe-to-toe fight. He’s a good fighter so I’m not underestimating him,” said Magsao. “I’m going to do my best to entertain the fans and if the knockout presents itself I’ll take advantage.”
Marcial, likewise, is wary of Joseph who obviously boasts more experience with his 11-2-1 record.
“Hindi ko naman ina-underestimate yung kalaban ko. Mas malaki yung experience ng makakalaban ko,” said the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist.
“Pero always ko namang sinasabi kait sino yung kalaban ko, dapat ready ako especially sa boxing kasi one punch lang, puwedeng magbago yung laban,” he added.
