Magsayo dominates Mata to get shot at world crown

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Mark Magsayo earns the WBC Continental Americas super featherweight belt, landing solid punches to put Jorge Mata on hold even as the Mexican proved to be tough and durable

LAS VEGAS, USA – Former world champion Mark Magsayo dominated but could not put Jorge Mata down, settling for a wide unanimous decision in their collision for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas super featherweight belt on Saturday, July 19 (Sunday, July 20, Philippine time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Busier and sharper, Magsayo had Mata in trouble in the fourth round with a bombardment of hooks and uppercuts, and dictated the tempo of the 10-rounder throughout, barely missing a shutout when one of the three judges diverted from 100-90 and scored it 98-92.

The pride of Tagbilaran, Bohol, did enough to convince MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions president Sean Gibbons that the former WBC featherweight king deserves a crack to become a two-division world champion.

Magsayo opened up the 10-rounder with lead lefts and proceeded to notch his 28th win, 18 by knockout, against 2 losses.

Although he outworked and outpunched Mata, Magsayo failed in his quest for a knockout as the Mexican proved to be tough and durable.

Magsayo, who had the opportunity to train with Manny Pacquiao in Los Angeles, slowed down in the sixth, but still landed enough to put Mata on hold.

Both fighters, who checked in at 129 pounds on Friday, paced themselves in the ninth, but in the 10th, Magsayo turned up the heat with three flurries of punches that rocked Mata.

Trainer Marvin Somodio, who promised a knockout win by Magsayo, worked the corner with Brendan Gibbons, Sean’s son and head of Viva Promotions.

WBC president Mauricio Solaiman congratulated Magsayo for the impressive victory that could make him the mandatory challenger this year. – Rappler.com