Boxing: Roach Feels Magsayo Can Do Better, Points Out Lack Of Combo Punches And Power

Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo registered his first win for Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions where scoring was deemed controversial anew. The Filipino escaped with a split decision victory over Mexican Rigoberto Hermosillo in the main event of FS1 PBC Fight Night on Saturday at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California.

Magsayo won via the scorecards, earning the nod of two judges who had it 100-90 and 96-94 in his favor. One other judge, Dr. Lou Moret, scored it for Hermosillo 96-94. Of the scores, Rudy Baragan was criticized anew for his score of 100-90, his second straight horrible ringside performance of the night, per Boxingscene.

When asked to assess Magsayo’s performance, trainer Freddie Roach said in a post-fight interview with Fox Sports PBC that while the 25-year-old was one of the best fighters in the gym, he believes the boxer was not in top form during his latest bout. He pointed out the lack of combination and power, areas that they are likely to work on moving forward.

The main event of FS1 PBC Fight Night started explosively with both fighters engaging in a fast-paced opening round. It was clear that Hermosillo came out to fight, landing left hands and jabs that got Magsayo’s attention. Aware that he was in for a tough battle, the 25-year-old boxer from the Philippines had his best moment when he landed a right hand on the Mexican in the closing seconds of the round.

A cut outside of his right eyebrow did not affect Hermosillo in any way. He remained aggressive with Magsayo left to wait for the opportune moment to land his shots. The Filipino landed more telling blows, and it was only in the fifth round where Magsayo was able to outland the Mexican fighter.

Come the ninth round, Roach urged Magsayo to pick up the pace and turn things around. Magsayo went on the offensive, pouring it on until Hermosillo retreated for the first time in the fight.

Both Magsayo and Hermosillo gave it everything they've got in the final round with the latter sticking to his method of attack. The Filipino showed off his defensive skills and unloaded only at the right time.

When it was all over, Hermosillo landed 181 of 856 punches, and this was deemed enough to earn the nod of one of the judges. But in the end, it was Magsayo’s cleaner punching and good defense that allowed him to keep his unbeaten slate.