Mark Magsayo (20-0, 14 KO) is the next Philippine Star
By ESPABOX
The undefeated featherweight boxer has big plans after seven years of career, and is waiting for an opponent after his planned rival for September retired before the bout.
After moving months ago to the US to progress and fulfil his drams, he talks to ESPABOX about his future, present and past.
ESPABOX: Hello, Mark. A pleasure to talk to you. How are you?
MARK MAGSAYO: Hello, I’m fine, thank you. I’m at leisure, how are you?
E: Alright, thanks. Let’s begin. You are 25 years old, you have been a professional for seven years. It may seem you didn’t have a deep amateur boxing career, but you were four times national champion. Wow!! This means you have been in the ring all your life.
MM: Yes, I started boxing when I was eight years old and I was competing soon, I had two-hundred plus fights before I turned pro. I was an amateur boxer for a decade.
E: It sounds awkward and almost unreal for the Spanish boxing culture, full of taboos and bans, being such a young person and entering the ring.
MM: That’s it, I started as an amateur with eight years of age, you can already compete in the Philippines. It’s not a strange fact in my country, kids get into boxing because of poverty.
E: Experienced, as we said, and young at the same time. You fought in the USA twice, in 2015 and 2016, both backing Donnie Nietes. An early KO and a solid performance with two knockdowns, you impressed both times. Do you feel it is time to stay there and be a star by yourself?
MM: Yes, I really want the chance to fight here in the US, and make a name for myself. I want to show the world what Filipinos are made of. My plan is to keep fighting in America.
E: Apart from the pandemic issue, you have had problems with José Haro, who was supposed to be your rival this September. He has decided to retire. What happened and what are your plans now for the near future?
MM: From Haro’s statement, he said that his family doesn’t want him to fight anymore, because they want him to be in good health. I respect this decision and wish him well. About boxing, my promoter is already looking for a replacement and I will fight on October 3rd.
E: And beyond? You are highly ranked by the WBC (3), as the holder of its Asian title, and the IBF (4). When will we see you challenging for a world title?
MM: It depends on my performance this upcoming fight, but for me, it can be anytime. For myself, I’m ready for it.
E: How can you describe your boxing style? 14 KOs in 20 bouts is a high rate for a featherweight.
MM: I just always want to show the fans an exciting fight. If there is a chance for a KO, I’ll take it. The KO is a bonus when you are fighting in the ring, I want to get the win mainly.
E: How do you feel with Manny Pacquiao promoting you and training with Freddie Roach? You are surrounded by legends.
M: Yeah, I’m very happy, grateful and proud that my idol took me in his promotion, and Mr. Sean Gibbons (MP Promotions president) for guiding my career. I am also very thankful to my manager Peter Seva and my coaches Justin Fortune (conditioning) and Freddie Roach. He gave me the opportunity for this coming fight; he is a good coach, he trains me like Pacquiao training, very well with all the moves.
E: Apart from getting a world championship, what is your motivation to fight or your dreams in this boxing world?
MM: My motivation is my family, my wife and kid, all the Filipino people and the boxing fans. I want to be a world champion for them.
E: Do you have anyone you would like to meet in the ring? And beat, obviously!!
MM: Yes, definitely it is Óscar Valdez, I want to fight him. He’s always been my dream fight.
E: What do you know about Spain, my country? Would you like to visit us? Your nickname, Magnífico, is a Spanish word for greatness.
MM: I haven’t been there, but I know that Spain is a big part of our Philippine history and culture. And I know good things about the Spanish food, I’d like to go and try some “tapas” (laughing for some seconds). About Magnífico, yes!! I want to live up to my nickname.
E: Thank you very much for your time and your kindness. We can close the interview with a message from you to the Spanish fans.
MM: I would like to thank you and all the staff for giving me the opportunity to be on ESPABOX and, to all the Spanish boxing fans, I hope someday I will be there to give you an exciting fight to watch. Please support me on my upcoming fight, hopefully we can find a good opponent.
E: Thanks, we will be watching you and rooting for you, Mark. Take care!!
