WBC orders Donaire vs Gaballo, Russell vs Magsayo

The World Boxing Council or better known as the WBC has ordered mandatory defenses for its reigning world titleholders.

In the bantamweight division, WBC world champion Nonito Donaire Jr. has been asked to defend his strap against fellow Filipino and WBC interim bantamweight champion Reymart Gaballo.

Donaire, 38, won the crown over Nordine Oubaali via 4th round knockout last May while Gaballo got his belt with a disputed split decision nod Emmanuel Rodriguez this past December.

Filipino featherweight prospect Mark Magsayo, meanwhile, has been named as the mandatory challenger to WBC world featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr.

The hard-hitting Magsayo last saw action on the undercard of Pacquiao vs. Ugas last month where he scored a highlight reel tenth round knockout over Julio Ceja.

Russell, on the other hand, has not fought since February 2020 when he defeated Tugstsogt Nyambayar via unanimous decision.

Russell, who holds a record of 31-1 with 18 knockouts, has only fought once a year since 2015 and has been recently removed from The RING’s top 10 featherweight ranking due to inactivity. -- BAP, GMA News