Pinoy world champs back Magsayo

Filipino world boxing champions are rallying behind a future world champion countryman.

After a painful, directionless two years, featherweight Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo is back on track to become the next Filipino world champion. Magsayo (20 wins, no losses, 14 knockouts) ended his relationship with his previous promoter/manager after not getting any fights in 2018. He then partnered with another promoter and carved out a lopsided unanimous decision against former two-time WBO world bantamweight champion Panya Uthok (Pangluang Sor Singyu) in Bohol. However, the hometown hero was dissatisfied with how he was treated by his new partner after the fight, and struck out on his own. For months, he was uncertain of his future. Last December, the former ice cream vendor slumped on the floor in his home in tears and almost gave up.

Now, Magsayo is in the solid stable of Sen. Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, and has been in California for a month, training under the legendary Freddie Roach at Wild Card Gym. The WBO Asia champion has a confirmed fight on Sept. 23. But contrary to reports, no opponent has yet been signed.

“I’m very happy with my training here. I really get along with coach Freddie and coach Justin (Fortune),” Magsayo told The STAR. “We’re concentrating on fixing my past mistakes in the ring. I’m so happy because I feel myself improving. I also thank everyone who has been expressing support for me.”

Among those supporters are a bunch of Filipino former world champions who relate to what the young contender has been through.

“My idol, Magsayo will be champ soon, with MP Promotions boss Sen. Manny and Sean Gibbons’ guidance, especially Freddie in his corner,” gushed former two-division world champion Gerry Peñalosa. “Mark is hungry, and for sure he will do everything to be champ; just focus and be disciplined.”

“I pray for his success of becoming a world champion soon,” added former IBF world flyweight champion Rolando Bohol, who is now a successful businessman in Las Vegas. “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue it, no matter how hard the trials and tribulations in our life are. Wishing him all the best. God bless!”

Even former WBA light welterweight champion Morris East, the youngest Filipino world boxing champion in history, has words of encouragement for Magsayo.

“All I can advice our future hopefuls is to have the desire and determination to do whatever it takes to reach their goal,” said East, who has trained world champions under Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s gym. “Stay focused, humble and most of all, never forget to pray for guidance. Stay safe and healthy.”

For good measure, even Games and Amusements Board chairman Baham Mitra has expressed happiness for the young, undefeated pug.

“We have witnessed how Magsayo developed as a fighter and became an undefeated, world-rated contender. May his passion, resilience, hardwork and determination help him fulfill his dream of becoming a world champion soon,” Mitra said. “The GAB fully supports Filipino boxers’ fights abroad, and we recognize that these are opportunities for them to flourish in their boxing careers, especially championship fights.”

With all this support and his troubles behind him, the superbly gifted Magsayo is certain to have a spectacular world championship career.