It’s make or break for Magsayo

MANILA, Philippines — IBF No. 4 and WBC No. 5 featherweight contender Mark Magsayo could’ve signed for a world title crack on Sept. 19 but MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons held back to give the Tacloban slugger a chance to warm up before moving on to the big stage. Instead, Magsayo will battle dangerous Jose (Pepito) Haro in a scheduled 10-round bout at the Microsoft (formerly Nokia) Theater in Los Angeles on Sept. 23.

Gibbons said yesterday “it’s one fight for everything” in what looms to be a make-or-break fight for Magsayo. “Let’s see what Mark’s got,” said Gibbons. “If he doesn’t show what he’s supposed to, we’re in trouble. There’s a lot of interest in Mark. I’ve gotten calls from different promoters asking about him. He could’ve signed to fight for the WBC title on Sept. 19. This coming battle will show us if he’s ready. Maybe, after this fight or after another fight, Mark will go for the WBC title. It remains to be seen.”

From all indications, Gibbons said Magsayo should dispose of Haro. “Mark and his wife Frances are phenomenally good people,” he said. “They’re good for each other, they’ve got common goals and they’re working hard to get the job done. Mark’s in tremendous shape, training with coach Freddie (Roach) and Justin (Fortune).” Magsayo and Frances arrived in Los Angeles from Manila last July 1 and live in an apartment at the back of the Wild Card Gym. Fortune said Haro’s a tough guy but Magsayo is tougher and a much bigger puncher.

“You can’t take Haro lightly,” said Gibbons. “He’s a confident guy. He came back from almost a three-year layoff after stopping Daniel Franco who was brought out of the ring on a stretcher and taken to the hospital where he underwent emergency surgery to drain two blood clots in the brain. Haro’s a 33-year-old guy who drives a Pepsi truck, delivering cases to supermarkets from 3 a.m. to 12 noon five days a week. He’s a test for Mark.” Haro has won his last seven fights to improve his record to 15-1-1, with 8 KOs. Magsayo’s record is 20-0, with 14 KOs.

While Magsayo, 25, isn’t looking past Haro, Gibbons said the target is WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. who’s in Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions stable. “If and when Mark wins big against Haro, Al will be ecstatic,” said Gibbons. “That will set up a big fight against Russell.” Russell, 32, has logged five successful defenses since winning the WBC 126-pound title in 2015 and totes a record of 31-1, with 18 KOs. He’s known for his blinding hand and foot speed.