Magsayo, Russell On the Scales Ahead of Head On Collision for WBC-126 World Strap

By Carlos Costa

Gwapo Filipino Challenger Mark “Magnífico” Magsayo (23-0, 16 KO’s), and defending World Champion Gary Russell Jr. (31-1, 18 KO’s), were on the scales ahead of their hot war for the WBC Featherweight World Title at the plush Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, because tomorrow is …. Showtime!!!!

Smiling and looking confident, the slightly taller 26-year-old Boholano from Tagbilaran City successfully weighed-in at 125.5 pounds; the Filipino really looking trouble-free, strong and in excellent shape.

So after making weight, the tattooed Pinoy can go on to rest, relax, eat, and get even stronger for his Moment of Truth tomorrow.

However, the American champion was half pound over the weight class limit in his first try.

Therefore, Russel is being given 1 hour to sweat and shed the small excess weight, and come back to step on the scale again.

It is expected that the experienced 33-year-old champ should make weight in his 2nd try.

Some fans wonder if Russell missing the target at the scale is a bit of a sign of some of ring rust affecting him, given the fact that he hasn’t seen any action at all in 2 long years… or not really?

Would being away from fighting mode for all that time be a negative factor for the skilled American from Maryland as he engages in combat a fast and dangerous, glory-hungry, hard-hitting younger man as the Filipino?

Might Russell be a bit out of distance?

Magasayo said he does not think so.

“No ring rust for Russell. He is good,” the former ALA fighter thinks.

But really nobody knows. That’s why we have to watch to find out. This Magsayo fight is really unmissable.

Far more active, the Pinoy warrior fought 2 times in 2021, being his latest rumble a thrilling round 10 knockout win in Las Vegas last August.

Tomorrow’s mission will be an crucial war that will define Magsayo’s boxing career.

Will he be able to pull off the big win as we all hope?

Best of Luck to Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo!