Fights American champ for WBC title
American Garry Russel, Jr. fights like compatriot Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux, who both subscribe to the mantra of “hit and don’t get hit” as they box and counter with a 1-2 or combo, clinch and then move away.
This is proven in Russell’s astounding record of 31 wins against only one loss, but with only 18 knockouts. Filipino Mark Magsayo pretty much knows what to do then.
The power-punching Magsayo faces Russell as the mandatory challenger for the World Boxing Council featherweight world championship on Sunday (PH Time) at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The protagonists met face to face on Friday in a press conference, with both showing calmness, exchanging smiles a day before the official weigh-in.
The undefeated Magsayo (23-0) looked to be the bigger fighter and it’s easy to tell that it will work to his advantage as he goes for the 17th knockout of his career —and the world title.
Magsayo vowed that he will bring with him the brand of boxing Filipinos are known for.
“I’m going here to win and make the most of the opportunity given to me,” said the Bohol native, who is trained by Freddie Roach under MP Promotions.
“I’m going to show Russell what Filipinos are made of,” he said.
Magsayo did show the stuff he’s made of during his last fight in August last year, when he brutally stopped former world champion, Julio Ceja of Mexico.
It looks like everything is going in favor of Magsayo.
First to consider is the inactivity of the 33-year-old Russell as he only averaged one fight per year since winning the title in 2015. His last ring appearance was in February 2020, when he outpointed Tug Nyambayar.
Russell’s training camp in Maryland was also interrupted when his father’s foot was amputated due to complications from diabetes.
Ring rust or not, Russell admitted that he is not in 100 percent shape when he defends his title for the sixth time.
“I never go into any of my fights 100 percent, to be honest with you. I do have a little slight injury but I prefer not to elaborate on it until after the fight,” Russell told DAZN in an interview.
“We’re going to get through this fight, we’re still going to make things shake and then we’ll go ahead and put it out thereafter it’s all said and done,” he said.
