Mark my words!
Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo (24-1, 16KO) lost his first fight and the WBC featherweight title in July to Rey Vargas, and he’s positively resolving to correct mistakes, train harder and become a champion all over again.
In a sunny conversation with Pepe Sulaiman, Mark stressed: “Rey Vargas is a great fighter, I lost, but I learned a lot and I have to come back all the stronger.”
Magsayo and Hall of Famer Freddie Roach have parted company on good terms and Mark has thanked him saying it was an honour and great experience to train with Freddie.
Mark’s new coach is fellow Filipino Marvin Somodio, of Brickhouse Boxing Club. They’re already hard at work for Mark’s ring return.
26-year-old Mark says boxing involves the mindset of discipline plus dedication. Concerning weight management, he has a nutritionist. Even if you are three pounds over the weight category at the scales, this stringent miscalculation is difficult to overcome. So, arriving at the proper weight is essential, and then he added he will re-hydrate between 12 to 15 pounds.
Mark explains boxing isn’t easy, so you need to train smart as well as strong. He says: “I can adjust for every fight. That is why a fighter is a mutant!”
Perseverance is the trademark, hallmark and characteristic of a champion. Mark came across boxing as a seven-year-old, when he was selling ice cream. But his start was inauspicious. He lost his first three amateur fights. Undaunted and undeterred, he refused to give up. He then won a rematch and started to win!
His boxing heroes are: Vinny Paz, Ricardo “Finito” Lopez, Juan Manuel Marquez and Israel “Magnifico” Vazquez.
For Mark, it’s only the end of the end of the beginning. He also says the Green and Gold Belt is the best of them all and he needs to win another! His ambition is to fight Leo Santa Cruz.
