Mark Magsayo looks to give Gary Russell Jr. his second loss, become world champ

Unbeaten Filipino contender Mark Magsayo is looking to give WBC world featherweight titleholder Gary Russell Jr. his second loss to become a world champion when they meet atop the ring on January 23 (PH time) at the Borgata Hotel Casino in Atlantic City, USA.

“I think I’m the fighter who wants to beat him more than anyone else has. I’m here to give him his second loss on Saturday night. I can fight and I can adjust. I have speed just like Gary does. On Saturday, we’ll put our skills up against each other,” said Magsayo in the pre-fight press con.

Russell, 33, has only fought once a year since he won the world title by defeating Jhonny Gonzalez in March 2015. Against Magsayo, Russell is coming off a 23-month layoff—his longest yet to date but says he is just as good as before.

“There are no concerns about ring rust. I’m always in the gym. I haven’t taken two months off from training since I was about four or five. Boxing is not just what I do, it’s a lifestyle for me,” said Russell.

“Mark is actually willing to put it all on the line. He’s going to go out there and give it his best. A lot of other fighters want to hide from the best. But I know Mark wants this badly. It’s a pleasure to share the field of battle with him.”

—JMB, GMA News