LAS VEGAS – On to the “Thrilla in Manila” 50th anniversary slugfest for Mark Magsayo.
This after the former world champion carved out a unanimous-decision victory over Mexico’s Jorge Mata on Saturday (Sunday 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 his 10-round non-title super-featherweight bout.
Though he was forced to go the distance, he nonetheless got the nod of the of three judges, two of them – Mike Fitzgerald and jack Reiss – scoring it 100-90 – while the other – Glenn Fieldman – had it 98-92.
That enabled Magsayo to claim 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.
More than that, he will earn the opportunity to fight in the anniversary of the greatest boxing bout that happened at the Araneta Coliseum – the duel of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier on Oct. 1, 1975.
”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 30-year-old slugger from Tagbilaran, Bohol was at his best in the fourth, uncorking vicious blows 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’s attack slowed down a bit during the middle rounds but still managed to counter 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 as the Mexican’s shots became , hits that never 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 even pressed his attack 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. (Contributed by June Navarro)
