NEWLY-CROWNED World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight titlist Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo said on Monday that a rematch should be earned and not demanded as he told dethroned champion Gary Russell Jr. to fall in line and prove his worth just like any challenger.
“It depends on Al Haymon and Sir Sean [Gibbons], but he really needs to win [again] first and become a mandatory challenger just like what I did before,” Magsayo told BusinessMirror on Monday. “Not anybody can become a challenger. He needs to fall in line—I also waited for my turn.”
“But I’m willing to fight anybody,” said Magsayo, 26, who remained unbeaten in 24 fights (with 16 knockouts) following his majority decision victory over an injured Russell on Sunday in their 12-round title fight organized by Premier Boxing Champions in Atlantic, New Jersey.
Russell claimed after the fight that his right shoulder was badly hurt from consistent beating by Magsayo and was forced to fight only with his left hand.
Magsayo said he is also open for a unification fight.
“It’s great to hear and see if you’re a unified world champion,” said Magsayo, one of the illustrious boxers under the wings of Senator Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions headed by Sean Gibbons. “I’m for it. I want to face the other world champions.”
Spain’s Kiko Martinez holds the International Boxing Federation 126-pound belt and Mexico’s Leo Santa Cruz has the World Boxing Association crown and Emmanuel Navarrete the World Boxing Organization belt.
Magsayo and wife Frances, meanwhile, will be savoring the victory and will tour New York City.
“Sir Sean promised to bring us to New York City and give my gift there,” said Magsayo, who’s been in the US since July 2020. “I have no idea what it is.”
His a title defense, according to Gibbons, could be in June or July.