Mark Magsayo came from all angles and banked on his powerful body shots and uppercuts to dethrone Gary Russell Jr. and become the new World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight champion in their main event world title clash at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City in New Jersey on Saturday, Jan. 22 (Sunday in Manila).

Mark Magsayo unloads a right hook to Gary Russell Jr. in their main event WBC featherweight title bout at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City in New Jersey on Saturday, Jan. 22 (Sunday in Manila). (Showtime Boxing)

Magsayo remained undefeated in 24 matches on top of 16 knockouts as he took home a 114-114, 115-113, 115-113 majority decision win and ended Russell’s seven-year reign as WBC featherweight titlist.

“This is my dream. My dream did come true,” said Magsayo, baring mixed emotions as he spoke to veteran sportscaster Jim Gray post-match.

“This is my dream since I was a kid since I’m an amateur. And now I’m a professional and I’m a world champion. This is my dream,” added the 26-year-old Tagbilaran, Bohol native boxer while thanking MP Promotions chief Sean Gibbons, match promoters Premier Boxing Champions and Showtime Boxing, and PBC owner and founder Al Haymon.

The 33-year-old Russell, for his part, admitted that he had a torn tendon in his right shoulder which minimized his movements as well as his signature jabs against Magsayo.

Russell suffered his second career loss with 31 wins and 18 KOS. (Carlo Anolin) ###


Source: Manila Bulletin (https://mb.com.ph/2022/01/23/magsayo-dethrones-russell-to-become-new-wbc-featherweight-champion/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=magsayo-dethrones-russell-to-become-new-wbc-featherweight-champion)