Mark Magsayo catches his breath after a sparring session. Picture by Lucas Noonan
Marvin Somodio knew earlier than the primary bell rang that Mark Magsayo had no enterprise remaining at 126 kilos.
The younger Filipino coach, working for his first time as Magsayo’s chief second heading right into a showdown with their 2023 showdown with Brandon Figueroa, recollects that he may barely really feel Magsayo’s knuckles whereas warming him up within the dressing room on the punch mitts. Magsayo was holding again no matter power he had for the struggle, and after a half-hearted try at loosening up, he went out and misplaced a unanimous resolution to the aggressive Mexican-American southpaw.
For Magsayo, the choice to maneuver as much as 130 kilos got here one struggle too late, however now Somodio believes followers will see a special Magsayo from what they’re used to seeing in current fights.
“He at all times has his energy however after the weigh-in generally he’s drained and his power is much less. However this time he can present his pace, his stamina, his energy and talent. This time he can present it and he’s comfy, though he’s nonetheless huge at 130 and he’s going to be so significantly better than he was at 126,” stated Somodio.
Now Magsayo prepares to face one other southpaw, however this time he expects to have his power and stamina with him this Saturday, June 15 when he faces former title challenger Eduardo Ramirez on the MGM Grand in Las Vegas as a part of the Premier Boxing Champions card headlined by the Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin struggle. Magsayo-Ramirez can be one among three preliminary fights proven stay on the PBC YouTube stream, starting at 5:30 p.m. ET, previous to the Amazon Prime pay-per-view portion of the cardboard.
The 28-year-old Magsayo can be making his second straight look at 130 kilos after competing at 126 kilos since his skilled debut in 2013 on the age of 17. In his earlier struggle final December, the previous WBC featherweight titleholder knocked out journeyman Isaac Avelar in three rounds.
“I really feel higher, comfy and powerful. It’s simpler to make for me particularly since I maintained my weight since my final struggle in December. I began coaching a day after that struggle. I really feel full developing the ring at 130 versus 126. There I really feel I lose my legs and my power,” stated Magsayo (25-2, 17 knockouts) of Tagbilaran Metropolis, Philippines about his transfer up in weight.
Ramirez (28-3-3, 13 KOs) is a reputation that has been floated to Magsayo for a while, giving him ample time to arrange for the matchup. The 31-year-old Ramirez of Los Mochis, Mexico had beforehand fought for a world title, dropping a unanimous resolution to Lee Selby in 2017 for the IBF featherweight belt, whereas his largest wins embrace choices over Miguel Marriaga, Luis Melendez and Edivaldo Ortega. He has received one struggle since being knocked out in two rounds by Isaac Cruz in 2022, stopping Sebastian Diaz Maldonado in six rounds final August.
“This man shouldn’t be a simple man. He has expertise and he fought the very best too. He’s a former world title challenger and he can provide us struggle. With him I believe we are able to present the place Mark Magsayo is at, which is on the high stage,” stated Somodio, who believes Magsayo will finally develop into the light-weight division as effectively.
Promoter Sean Gibbons, who guides Magsayo below the MP Promotions banner, says the matchup is sensible given Ramirez’s expertise. He believes that Ramirez, like Magsayo, can be even higher at 130, on condition that his solely KO loss got here at 135 kilos.
“These are the kind of guys that Mark ought to be preventing. They’re high ten guys however so is Mark however Mark is a greater fighter general. I just like the type as a result of Mark does effectively with southpaws, he’s obtained a good looking hook and it’s actually simply the struggle that Mark must be on the stage that he must be to hopefully get a WBA world title shot with Lamont Roach,” stated Gibbons.
“He’s been coaching for this man for six months so I believe that is that [Julio] Ceja second once more the place Mark goes out and steals the evening in spectacular style and all people goes ‘wow, he’s again,’” stated Gibbons.
“You get only a few photographs to place your self again on high and that is the evening to do it.”
Magsayo smiles throughout coaching camp for his struggle towards Eduardo Ramirez. Picture by Lucas Noonan
Magsayo understands that as effectively. After a whirlwind run the place he ended Gary Russell’s lengthy WBC title reign in January of 2022, then misplaced it in his first protection to Rey Vargas six months later, after which suffered the Figueroa defeat, Magsayo must make an impression now if he’s to be given the eye he must be moved as a title contender.
“It is vitally necessary to me, greater than each different struggle. As a result of I’ve a brand new purpose of turning into a two-time world champion and I wish to present the world that I’m stronger at 130,” stated Magsayo, who now lives and trains within the Los Angeles space.
“I’ve realized lots with every part I’ve been via. I additionally realized that I matured mentally and bodily and wanted to maneuver up in weight. I wish to deliver my energy within the ring which I do now at 130. My physique is maturing too so I must take heed to my physique.”
The ten-round struggle may have a minor WBA regional title at stake, which is able to probably push the winner up within the rankings. Magsayo, who’s presently rated no. 6 by the WBA at 130 kilos, hopes a win over Ramirez can put him in line to face Roach (24-1-1, 9 KOs), who makes the primary protection of his WBA junior light-weight title on June 28 towards unbeaten Irish contender Feargal McCrory (16-0, 8 KOs) in his hometown of Washington D.C.
Roach, 28, received the belt in his final struggle, dropping Hector Garcia within the twelfth spherical to win a break up resolution. Magsayo hopes he can produce an attention-grabbing efficiency that will get him to the highest of the record for Roach’s subsequent opponent.
“I’m specializing in this struggle as a result of I want to indicate a terrific struggle so I can get the title shot for the WBA belt. I’ve by no means had a WBA belt so I’m hoping I get an opportunity for it,” stated Magsayo.
Ryan Songalia has written for ESPN, the New York Each day Information, Rappler and The Guardian, and is a part of the Craig Newmark Graduate College of Journalism Class of 2020. He might be reached at [email protected].
