Mark Magsayo gets Alamodome for first defense, Vargas promises fireworks

WBC world featherweight champion Mark Magsayo is raring to strut his wares when he defends his title for the first time against top Mexican contender Rey Vargas on July 9 (July 10 PH time) at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

The Alamodome, a storied venue for some of the greatest boxers in the world, was the same arena where retired eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao defeated Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera via stoppage in 2003.

“I’m excited to be fighting in the same venue where my idol Manny Pacquiao fought Marco Antonio Barrera. That was the first fight I ever saw and the reason I started boxing,” said Magsayo.

“We are preparing for a strong Mexican fighter in Rey Vargas. Everyone knows what the Philippines vs. Mexico boxing rivalry brings to the ring and I’m excited to display my talents for the boxing fans in Texas and watching around the world.”

Magsayo, 24-0 with 16 knockouts, won his first world title last January when he defeated Garry Russell Jr via majority decision. Vargas, meanwhile, is a former super bantamweight world champion who holds an unblemished record of 35-0 with 22 knockouts.

“This is going to be exciting combat from start to finish. We know that he has great power, but we’ll 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 step in there and compete,” Vargas stated.

—JMB, GMA News