By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Filipino boxing sensation Mark Magsayo is back at the pinnacle of the sport after clinching the World Boxing Association (WBA) Inter-Continental super featherweight championship title on June 16, 2024, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
After almost a year of title drought, Magsayo worked tirelessly to become a champion again, overpowering Eduardo Ramirez of Mexico via a unanimous decision.
All three judges awarded the bout to Magsayo. Don Trella and Glen Feldman scored it 97-92, while Lisa Giampa had it 99-90, all in favor of the Filipino star.
It was a dominant display of boxing from Magsayo, who neutralized Ramirez’s pressure on the ropes. To counter Ramirez’s signature aggression, Magsayo kept busy firing jabs that repeatedly connected with the Mexican’s jaw.
After a conservative fight in the first two rounds, Magsayo suddenly stepped on the gas in the third, scoring a crucial knockdown. He caught Ramirez with a sweet right punch, set up by a beautiful head movement to the left and a sweeping jab.
From that sequence, Ramirez never recovered and almost gave up in the remaining rounds, allowing Magsayo to land haymakers at will until the final round.
Ramirez desperately tried to land a knockout in the final round, stalking Magsayo in the ring, but the wise Filipino backpedaled to avoid any unnecessary danger.
With the win, Magsayo improved to 26 wins, 17 knockouts, and two losses, while Ramirez dropped to 28 wins, 13 knockouts, and four losses.
