Mark Magsayo's late rally falls short as Andres Cortes stays unbeaten

Mark Magsayo mounted a late rally but could not overcome an early deficit, dropping a 10-round unanimous decision to unbeaten lightweight Andres Cortes on Sunday morning (Philippine time) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Cortes beat Magsayo to the punch throughout much of the fight as he built a comfortable lead on all three judges’ scorecards. Eric Cheek, Chris Migliore and David Sutherland each scored the bout 97-93 for Cortes.

The former WBC featherweight champion struggled to find his rhythm, occasionally landing his right hand but failing to consistently capitalize when Cortes came forward.

The 31-year-old Boholano showed more urgency late, landing his most damaging punch of the night in the ninth round. His left hook with just over 40 seconds remaining got a reaction from Cortes, but the Filipino couldn’t build enough momentum to turn the fight around.

The bout also featured a bizarre sequence involving four apparent knockdowns of Magsayo, although only two were initially ruled as such, and both were later overturned after the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s replay official.

Referee Celestino Ruiz first ruled Magsayo down in the third round after his right glove touched the canvas following a Cortes right hand to the body. Magsayo immediately argued that he had been pushed.

Another knockdown was called in the fourth when Magsayo dropped to one knee. Again, Magsayo protested that he had been pushed. Both knockdown calls were eventually reversed.

Cortes maintained his unbeaten record, improving to a perfect 26-0. Meanwhile, Magsayo, who entered the fight hoping to make another push for a title in the lightweight division, dropped to 29-3.

—JKC, GMA News