PBC officially announces Gary Russell Jr. vs Mark Magsayo world title showdown

Premier Boxing Champions has officially announced the upcoming world title showdown between Gary Russell Jr. and Mark Magsayo early next year at the Borgata Hotel Casino in Atlantic City, USA.

"WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr will defend his world title against top contender and WBC mandatory challenger Mark Magnifico Magsayo live on Showtime Boxing Saturday, January 22," PBC announced on Facebook.

Magsayo, 26, earned his shot at a world title following a highlight-reel knockout over Julio Ceja on the undercard of Pacquiao vs. Ugas last August.

Russell, meanwhile, is a crafty southpaw with an impressive record of 31-1 with 18 knockouts having lost only to pound-for-pound sensation Vasyl Lomachenko.

He last fought in February 2020 against Tugstsogt Nyambayar where he won via unanimous decision.

—MGP, GMA News