Magsayo (24-0, 16 KO) won his title in January with a majority decision against Gary Russell Jr. Russell entered the match stating that he was dealing with a right shoulder injury. This was very evident throughout the match as Russell basically wrestled with one arm. However, the fight was close throughout as Magsayo repeatedly moved to Russell’s left, allowing Russell to use the one hand he actually had available as a weapon. In the end, Magsayo was able to do enough to escape the decision, remain undefeated and end Russell’s nearly seven-year reign, a reign that was extended when Russell defended his title just six times in that span. “This is very special to me. I watched Manny Pacquiao fight Marco Antonio Barrera in San Antonio at the Alamodome and that was the day I decided to start training in the gym. I’m so grateful to have this fight — which is a dream come true — to happen here in San Antonio,” Magsayo said at the latest press conference. “This is a very important fight for me. I’ve already beaten Russell but I just want to keep proving myself. We’ll both go there with a lot of confidence in ourselves and that will make it a great fight.” Can’t get enough boxing and MMA? Get the latest in the world of combat sports from two of the best in the business. Join Morning Kombat with Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell for the best analysis and in-depth news, including a full preview of what to expect in the ring this weekend below. Vargas (35-0, 22 KO) is the former WBC super bantamweight champion, having won the title against Gavin McDonnell in February 2017. He would successfully defend the belt five times before a two-year layoff due to various issues with the promotional team and a broken leg. Last November, Vargas returned to action, making his featherweight debut and taking a dominant decision over Leonardo Baez. He was then positioned as Magsayo’s mandatory challenger. “If you want to trade blows, I’m more than happy to do it. I see it as a compliment that he’s added a lot of people to his team. He takes me seriously, but I think that’s an advantage for me, because I feel like he’s worried,” said Vargas. “We definitely have great trainers in every corner. Freddy is a great trainer and I’ve had the pleasure of sharing the ring against him in the past. At the end of the day, it’s just me and Mark in the ring. We’re ready to put on a show.” The undercard features the return of former super bantamweight champion Brandon Figueroa when he takes on Carlos Castro. Figueroa, 25, has not fought since losing a majority decision to Stephen Fulton in November to unify the WBC and WBO titles. It was the first loss of his blossoming career. It’s a tough test for Castro, who is coming off the first loss of his career as well when he lost a split decision to Luis Neri in February. “My last loss taught me a lot and I’m coming back with everything I’ve got. I had a great training camp and I’m so excited to come back and prove, like I did at 122kg, that I belong in this division and that I’m one of the best ” Figueroa said. “I learned to be a little more patient from my last fight. I learned that I have to use my height and my technical ability to my advantage.”
Magsayo Vs. Vargas card, odds
Odds via Caesars Sportsbook King Vargas -125 Mark Magsayo (c) +105 WBC featherweight title Brandon Figueroa -700 Carlos Castro +500 Super badambaro Frank Martin -1200 Jackson Marinez +750 Lightweight boxer
Prophecy
Magsayo is not a difficult fighter to figure out. He steps forward and tries to get in to fight. He has solid power, as shown when he brutally knocked out Julio Ceja to set up his title shot, but consistent landing distance will be a problem against a combative fighter like Vargas. The Mexican is the better fighter technically and his ability to use his range while picking off several decent opponents was impressive. The odds for the fight are much closer than you might expect given the stylistic matchup and some of the struggles Magsayo has had in his career, including a one-handed title win over Russell. This looks like the type of fight where Vargas is able to dictate range and pace and work for a decision win and a title shot in a second weight class. Pick: Rey Vargas via UD
