Manny Pacquiao Disciple Says First Fight Schedule Still Up In The Air

Undefeated Filipino boxer Mark Magsayo has been idle for over a year and is looking forward to making his first fight under Manny Pacquiao's MP Promotions. That could happen soon although preliminary reports about him fighting Jose Haro are not 100% true.

Magsayo, currently in Las Vegas and training under Freddie Roach, said in an exclusive interview with Brian Yalung of ABS-CBN that his fight date with Haro is not yet confirmed. He added that this tussle was originally set for May 16 but was called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The fight should have gone down on May 16. I was just informed last week but the fight has yet to be confirmed," Magsayo said in Filipino.

It was at the start of August when reports came out that the pride of Bohol would be making his first fight under MP Promotions on Sept. 23. But it turns out that the deal has yet to be finalized. Regardless, Magsayo vows he is ready since he has not stopped training even before the pandemic started.

Haro is no easy opponent for the 25-year-old pride of Bohol. The 33-year-old American pug last fought in February, defeating Genaro Rodriguez via unanimous decision. It was Haro's first fight since 2017 but seemed in good form.

Before Rodriguez, he went up against Daniel Franco who he knocked out in eight rounds. Franco ended up in a coma but recovered. The bad news is that his boxing career came to an unfortunate end.

Aware of what Haro can do, Magsayo is unfazed. He bats that he and Franco are different fighters and he is already studying the former Junior Olympian.

"He is good. I am looking at his strengths and I know he has only one loss. We are making sure we are ready for him," Magsayo said.

For now, Magsayo continues his training under Roach and is prepared for anything. His last fight was against Panya Uthok of Thailand where he won via unanimous decision. That victory rewarded him the WBC-ABC featherweight title.

Looming ahead for Magsayo is holding his first fight possibly without an audience. He admits that it will be a different atmosphere but something beyond anyone's control.

"It's better to have an audience especially if there are Filipinos. But we are all helpless right now and need to adapt to the situation," Magsayo said.