Gary Russell Jr poised to defend WBC title against Mark Magsayo

Gary Russell Jr. (31-1, 18 KOs) will make a mandatory defense of his World Boxing Council featherweight title, against the Filipino Mark Magsayo.

It`s presented by Premier Boxing Champions on January 22 at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Atlantic City, at an event that will be broadcast on Showtime.

Russell, 33, has defended his WBC belt five times since he defeated Mexican Jhonny González in March 2015.

Magsayo (23-0, 16 KOs), who is trained by Freddie Roach, is the number two contender for the WBC and has just come off a major win by defeating Mexican Julio Ceja..