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, remembers 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 combat, and after a half-hearted try at loosening up, he went out and misplaced a unanimous choice to the aggressive Mexican-American southpaw.
For Magsayo, the choice to maneuver as much as 130 kilos got here one combat too late, however now Somodio believes followers will see a distinct Magsayo from what they’re used to seeing in current fights.
“He at all times has his energy however after the weigh-in typically he’s drained and his vitality is much less. However this time he can present his velocity, his stamina, his energy and talent. This time he can present it and he’s comfy, despite the fact that he’s nonetheless large at 130 and he’s going to be so a lot better than he was at 126,” mentioned 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 combat. Magsayo-Ramirez will likely be considered one of 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 will likely 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 combat 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 combat in December. I began coaching a day after that combat. I really feel full developing the ring at 130 versus 126. There I really feel I lose my legs and my power,” mentioned 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 organize for the matchup. The 31-year-old Ramirez of Los Mochis, Mexico had beforehand fought for a world title, dropping a unanimous choice to Lee Selby in 2017 for the IBF featherweight belt, whereas his greatest wins embrace choices over Miguel Marriaga, Luis Melendez and Edivaldo Ortega. He has received one combat 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 most effective too. He’s a former world title challenger and he may give us combat. With him I feel we will present the place Mark Magsayo is at, which is on the prime degree,” mentioned Somodio, who believes Magsayo will finally develop into the light-weight division as effectively.
Promoter Sean Gibbons, who guides Magsayo beneath the MP Promotions banner, says the matchup is smart given Ramirez’s expertise. He believes that Ramirez, like Magsayo, will likely 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 combating. They’re prime ten guys however so is Mark however Mark is a greater fighter general. I just like the fashion as a result of Mark does effectively with southpaws, he’s acquired a gorgeous hook and it’s actually simply the combat that Mark must be on the degree that he must be to hopefully get a WBA world title shot with Lamont Roach,” mentioned Gibbons.
“He’s been coaching for this man for six months so I feel that is that [Julio] Ceja second once more the place Mark goes out and steals the evening in spectacular vogue and all people goes ‘wow, he’s again,’” mentioned Gibbons.
“You get only a few photographs to place your self again on prime and that is the evening to do it.”
Magsayo smiles throughout coaching camp for his combat 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 rather vital to me, greater than each different combat. As a result of I’ve a brand new aim of changing into a two-time world champion and I need to present the world that I’m stronger at 130,” mentioned Magsayo, who now lives and trains within the Los Angeles space.
“I’ve discovered quite a bit with every thing I’ve been by means of. I additionally discovered that I matured mentally and bodily and wanted to maneuver up in weight. I need to convey my energy within the ring which I do now at 130. My physique is maturing too so I must hearken to my physique.”
The ten-round combat can have a minor WBA regional title at stake, which is able to possible push the winner up within the rankings. Magsayo, who’s at present 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 combat, dropping Hector Garcia within the twelfth spherical to win a cut up choice. Magsayo hopes he can produce an attention-grabbing efficiency that will get him to the highest of the checklist for Roach’s subsequent opponent.
“I’m specializing in this combat as a result of I would like to point out an excellent combat 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,” mentioned 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 may be reached at [email protected].
