Gibbons: Magsayo by KO in 10th round

REIGNING World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight titlist Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo will put Mexican challenger Rey Vargas to sleep in the 10th round, International matchmaker and Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons said on Thursday.

“Mark Magsayo will knock him out [cold] in the 10th round,” said Gibbons, stressing that Magsayo’s in his best elements for the fight. “I hate to steal the cliché, but everything has gone better than expected.”

Magsayo defends his belt in a 12-round bout on Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas and according to Gibbons, the 27-year-old fighter from Tagbilaran City is in the final phase of his preparations.

Magsayo’s team is composed of wife Frances, trainer and coach Freddie Roach, assistant trainer Marvin Somodio, dietician Jeaneth Aro and strength and conditioning coach Pedro Garcia.

“Everybody has done his or her job and now it’s up to Mark to do his job,” Gibbons said.

Before heading to Texas, the unbeaten Magsayo (24-0 win-loss record with 16 knockouts) engaged in four- and six-round sparring sessions with 28-year-old bantamweight Dominique Crowder (26-7 record with eight knockouts).

But the 31-year-old Vargas, also undefeated in 35 fights with 22 knockouts, is no pushover.

Magsayo snatched Gary Russell Jr.’s WBC belt last January 22 via majority decision in Atlantic City. A victory over Vargas would set him up for a unification bout with World Boxing Association featherweight king Leo Santa Cruz of Mexico late this year or early next year.

“It’s going to be amazing for sure and we’re looking to come full circle once Magsayo gets that ‘W,’” Gibbons said.