Magsayo and Vargas clash Saturday

WBC Press

World Boxing Council featherweight champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo, will defend his title for the first time when he faces the also undefeated and former super bantamweight world champion Rey Vargas, this Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Rising Filipino star Mark Magsayo (24-0, 16 KOs) stunned the boxing world in January when he defeated long-time reigning champion Gary Russell Jr. Now, Magsayo looks to prove that the points win over Russell, was not a fluke.

“I am very grateful to my team for giving me the opportunity to defend my title in San Antonio. I am excited to fight in the same place where my idol Manny Pacquiao fought Marco Antonio Barrera. That was the first fight I ever saw and the reason I started boxing. We are going to face a strong Mexican with Rey Vargas.

“Everyone knows what the boxing rivalry between the Philippines and Mexico brings to the ring, and I am excited to showcase my talents for boxing fans in Texas and around the world,” said Magsayo.

Vargas (35-0, 22 KOs) returned from an injury layoff to score a unanimous decision win over Leonardo Baez in his featherweight debut in November.

The 31-year-old headed to the UK to capture the title in 2017, winning a decision over the previously undefeated Gavin McDonnell. After that, Vargas made five successful title defenses, defeating contenders Oscar Negrete, Ronny Rios and Azat Hovhannisyan. His fifth successful title defense came via unanimous decision over former world champion Tomoki Kameda in July 2019.

“This fight on July 9 will be a great battle against the Filipino warrior Magsayo. This is going to be an exciting match from start to finish. We know he has great power, but we will be ready to counter that and anything else he brings to the ring. This is going to be a magnificent fight, and I can’t wait to get in the ring and fight,” Vargas commented.

The fight is organized by Premier Boxing Champions and will be televised on Showtime.