Magsayo can’t wait to return

MANILA, Philippines — Former WBC featherweight champion Mark Magsayo is invading the 130-pound ranks where the great Flash Elorde reigned for seven years from 1960 to 1967 and the move is expected to unravel the power that was his trademark since turning pro 10 years ago but has waned lately in struggling to make weight.

Magsayo, 28, is coming off back-to-back losses and hopes to break out of the funk in his super-featherweight debut against Mexican southpaw Isaac Avelar in an eight-rounder at the Infinite Reality Studios in Long Beach, California, tomorrow morning (Manila time). Avelar, 26, is known as Canelito, a super-featherweight version of Canelo Alvarez, and has a reputation as a slugger which is right down Magsayo’s alley. Magsayo said Avelar’s a fighter, not a boxer or stylist, so fans are in for a slugfest.

After turning pro, Avelar raced to a 15-0 record then lost to Stephen Fulton on a sixth round KO in 2019. That triggered a downtrend in his career and entering the Magsayo fight, Avelar has lost six of his last eight. His mark is now 17-6 with 10 KOs and three of his setbacks were by stoppage. One of his victims was Namibia’s Sakaria Lukas who totes a 26-2-1 slate.

Magsayo is pushing for another shot at a world crown after reigning briefly on the featherweight throne last year. His previous two outings resulted in painfully close defeats to Rey Vargas and Brandon Figueroa on points. Avelar is his stepping stone to bigger things. Magsayo hasn’t seen action in nine months so this will be a test of his conditioning after a long layoff. Magsayo’s record is 24-2 with 16 KOs.

“Avelar is a tough fighter and he’s been in the ring with some good fighters,” said Magsayo. “He’s got a lot of heart and I know I’ll have to be at my best to come out on top. I have full confidence in my ability to win this fight. The plan will be to end the fight early but I’m prepared to go the distance if necessary.”

In Magsayo’s corner will be coach Marvin Somodio. “Coach and I have been working on numerous parts of my game,” he said. “We’re starting to pace ourselves better. I feel I’ll be stronger going into the later rounds with all the specialized conditioning I’ve been doing. Moving up to junior lightweight will make a big difference making weight. I’ll be a lot stronger in this division. It’s been a great training camp and I can’t wait to get back in the ring.”