Former world champ Mark Magsayo out to reclaim ‘wasted prime’ in fresh start with Zuffa Boxing

Former Filipino world boxing champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo is determined to make up for what he believes were “wasted prime” years as he embraces a new chapter in both weight class and promotion.

Fresh off a dominant Zuffa Boxing debut against “Fearless” Feargal McCrory earlier this month, Magsayo emphasized how much better he felt, from training camp to fight night, now competing at lightweight.

“When I was fighting at 126 [pounds], in training and sparring, I was strong. But when it came to fighting, my power faded because I was on a diet and dehydrated,” Magsayo said during an exclusive interview with GMA News Online. “I endured all of it until I became a world champion.”

“But now, fighting at 135 [pounds] is very comfortable. The last two weeks before the fight, I even did 10 rounds of sparring. It was very easy for me. I was very comfortable. When I got in the ring, I was very relaxed. I didn't rush. My punches were accurate. It's like I'm just practicing.”

Earlier this year, Magsayo was announced as one of Zuffa Boxing’s key signings. Despite already reaching the pinnacle as a former WBC world featherweight champion, the 30-year-old Boholano opted for a fresh start under a new banner.

For Magsayo, the move is as much about opportunity as it is about urgency.

“Since 2025, I already got offers from Zuffa when Zuffa 1 hasn't started yet,” said Magsayo. “But I was still under contract with PBC so we refused. Before my contract expired, we were given a fight in October, but it was canceled.”

“It was canceled again in November and December so we decided to sign with Zuffa by January.”

“It was a waste of my time. It was a waste of my prime. I’m at the peak of my strength. I’m at the right age. We know that I can still show my talent somewhere else.”

With renewed energy at lightweight and a clean slate under Zuffa Boxing, Magsayo now sets his sights on rebuilding momentum and proving that his best years are far from behind him.

—JMB, GMA News