Magsayo starts world title quest vs Hermosillo in LA

Whether Mark Magsayo is ready for a world title crack or needs more polishing will be known when the Filipino prime prospect tangles with Rigoberto Hermosillo on Saturday, October 3 (Sunday, October 4, Philippine time) at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

The unbeaten Magsayo (20-0, 14 knockouts) is favored in the main event of the FSI PBC Fight Night to be held without fans, but his Mexican-American opponent is determined to spoil the Boholano’s first fight under the banner of MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions.

MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons, however, sees Magsayo knocking out Hermosillo in the 10-round featherweight bout.

Though Magsayo didn’t predict a stoppage, he guarantees an impressive win that would likely pave the way for a title fight early next year.

According to Magsayo, he’ll show the new technique taught by legendary coach Freddie Roach, deputy Filipino trainer Marvin Somodio, and fitness guru Justin Fortune at Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood.

“I will use my (ring) smart,” Magsayo told Fox Deportes. “I will win with my speed and power.”

The 25-year-old Magsayo checked in at 127 pounds during the official weigh-in on Friday while the 28-year-old Hermosillo, who is 3 inches taller at 5-foot-9, tipped the scales at 126.6.

Though Hermosillo, born in Guadalajara but is now based in Los Angeles, has dropped his last two fights via decisions, he remains dangerous because he absorbed those two losses against rising stars Manny Robles III (17-0) and Viktor Slavinskyi (10-0-1) last year.

Before the twin setbacks, Hermosillo posted 3 straight knockouts.

Magsayo, on the other hand, won the vacant World Boxing Council ABC featherweight title over former world champion Panya Uthok on August 8, 2019. 

With Roach behind him now, Magsayo can go all the way to the top. – Rappler.com