Magsayo takes on US’S Figueroa for WBC interim crown in March

MARK “MAGNIFICO” MAGSAYO begins his journey back to a world title when he squares off with American Brandon Figueroa on March 4 for the vacant interim World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight title at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.

International matchmaker Sean Gibbons, who heads world boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, confirmed to Businessmirror on Wednesday that Showtime—through Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)— will air the 12-round bout.

The fight means a lot to the 27-year-old fighter from Tagbilaran City, whose reign as world champion was short-lived after losing his first title defense via split decision against Mexican Rey Vargas last July 9 in San Antonio, Texas.

“This fight really means everything for Mark [Magsayo]. This is his chance to reclaim his belt that was wrongfully taken from him by Rey Vargas,” Gibbons said. “This fight will put him back at the top of the 126-pound food chain.”

Magsayo (24-1 win-loss record with 16 knockouts) became a world champion on January 22, 2022, when he dethroned Gary Russell Jr. via majority decision.

Gibbons said a victory by Magsayo could line him up for a huge fight with former World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight super champion Leo Santa Cruz of Mexico later this year.

“This fight will set him for a possible mega showdown with Leo Santa Cruz at the Staple Center in Los Angeles this year,” Gibbons said. “It will put him back to the elite level.”

Figueroa, however, is a tough nut to crack with 22 wins against a loss and a draw with 17 knockouts.

The 26-year-old fighter will be out for a fitting follow-up to his sixthround technical knockout win against American Carlos Castro last July also in San Antonio, Texas.