Mexican fighter Rey Vargas eager to take the crown from Mark Magsayo
CLEVELAND — Mark Magsayo of the Philippines has carved an impressive path on the way to the top of the WBC featherweight division.
He is unbeaten in 24 fights with 16 KOs. Among the few victims who lasted the distance against “Magnifico” is American Gary Russell Jr., the erstwhile WBC featherweight ruler whom Magsayo wrested his belt from last January 22, 2022 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Winning the crown was hard. Defending it will be even harder.
Magsayo’s challenger, Rey Vargas, will be a load to handle and a much bigger puncher than Russell.
Like Magsayo, Vargas is undefeated and has won all of his 35 fights with 22 knockouts. Vargas, who once held a belt in the 122-pound class and defended it five times, is also the taller and longer fighter.
Vargas is 5-foot-10 and 1/2 against the 5-foot-6 and 1/2 Magsayo. Meanwhile, Vargas’ reach is 70 and 1/2 compared to Magsayo’s 67 and 1/2.
Inactive for 16 months, Vargas hopes to return to glory with a bang.
“I’m ready to go and happy to have this opportunity to be on top of the world and fight for a title,” he told The Ring magazine.
