Mark Magsayo Comments On Heartbreaking WBC Featherweight Title Loss

This past weekend saw the Philippines drop its last boxing title after then-WBC featherweight titleholder Mark Magsayo (24-1, 16 KOs) was outclassed by Mexico’s Rey Vargas (36-0, 22 KOs) on Saturday, July 10 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

The then-undefeated Magsayo had been putting up a great fight for the better part of 12 rounds, even getting the knockdown on Vargas late in the ninth round with a beautifully-placed right hand to the chin.

Even before the knockdown occurred though, Magsayo was keeping in step with the former WBC super bantamweight champion and landed a counter right straight to Vargas that staggered him for a bit earlier in the fight.

However, Vargas’ overall activity saw him be awarded with a split decision after judges scored the bout 115-112, 113-114 and 115-112.

International Business Times sports editor and combat sports analyst Nissi Icasiano also saw the fight in favor of Vargas, 115-112 on his unofficial scorecard.

Magsayo spoke about the crushing loss to Vargas, noting how it will help propel him back to the top of the featherweight scene.

“It’s his [day] today. No matter what, I’ll come back stronger, I’m disappointed but I did my best,” Magsayo remarked as quoted by Boxing Scene.

“When I had him down, the punch was straight, he did his job in the ring, running. I applied the pressure and did what we trained for in the gym, but he was taller and he’s the man today.”

To Vargas’ credit, whenever Magsayo would look as if he had the momentum on his side, the pride of Mexico would rally back with flurries of his own.

CompuBox tallied the total punch stats for the fight and the unbeaten Vargas had a healthy 196-132 advantage over the Filipino.

Magsayo was seen as the champion that had much to prove after defeating an injured Gary Russell Jr. in January, with a win over Vargas cementing his claim over the WBC featherweight strap.

Now without a title around his waist, Magsayo must go out and show that he can bounce back from such a devastating loss.

“I will rest and watch the fight and I’m going to train to fight again and will correct my mistakes for the next time. Thanks to all my fans in the Philippines. I did my best and will come back stronger,” Magsayo later added.