By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Filipino boxing sensation Mark Magsayo is now gearing up for a potential qualifying fight that can give him his long-awaited world title bout in the featherweight division.
With coach Freddie Roach on the sidelines, rising star Magsayo will be testing his mitts against top contender Pablo Cruz of America in April as part of the undercard of the Jerwin Ancajas-Jonathan Rodriguez main event.
Previously, Magsayo was able to pull off a stunning win against Mexican-American foe Rigoberto Hermosillo despite coming off a 13-month layoff due to the pandemic.
MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions president Sean Gibbons confirmed that if Magsayo can weather the storm against Cruz then he might contest for the World Boxing Association or the IBF title.
“This is the fight that’s gonna put Mark into the next step when we talk about hopefully fighting for a world title either with the World Boxing Association (WBA) or IBF eliminator. So it’s a very, very important fight that he needs to win to get into the next step,” said Gibbons.
Magsayo is currently preparing for his upcoming bout together with coach Roach and his team and is eager to follow in the footsteps of his ultimate idol Manny Pacquiao.
“I look up to Sen. Manny Pacquiao because he’s my idol since 2005. He’s my super hero. I want to be like him and I will give my best to become a world champion,” said Magsayo.
However, his task to stop the young and revitalized Cruz is a tough one as the heavy-hitting slugger poses an impressive record of 21-3-0.
“Lagi siyang nagfo-forward. Gusto nga ni coach Freddie knock-outin namin daw. Basta ipapakita ko lang yung best dun sa laban,” added Magsayo.
