Mark Magsayo of the Philippines gets his baptism of fire on Sept. 23 when he squares off against Jose Haro at Premier Boxing Champions. The event will take place at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles with a different kind of setting. The fight will take place in the bubble with all officials, boxers and personnel expected to start going in five days before the actual fight.
In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN, Magsayo revealed that he and Haro had signed the contract just last week. To recall, reports that the fight was taking place came out just last month. However, there was still no certainty at the time. Now, everything has been ironed out and the 25-year-old is looking forward to his first fight since August of last year.
“I am excited to fight again. I prepared well for this fight and am excited to show off what my new team has taught me,” Magsayo said for the event that will be aired via PBC Live via Fox Sport 1.
Since joining MP Promotions, no less than legendary trainer Freddie Roach has personally handled the native of Tagbilaran, Bohol. Aiding Roach is his assistant Marvin Somodio while Justin Fortune is the conditioning coach.
For Magsayo, there is a lot on the line. Aside from the fact that this will be his first fight under MP Promotions, he will also be staking his unbeaten record. Last year, “Magnifico” won over Panya Uthok of Thailand. That rewarded him with the WBC-ABC featherweight title.
However, Magsayo will have his hands full against Haro. He knows that the 33-year-old adversary is a former junior Olympian and has seen him fight. He admits that Haro is good but is confident that he has prepared well for this fight.
"He is good. I am looking at his strengths and I know he has only one loss. We are making sure we are ready for him," Magsayo said.
Haro has fought 15 times, winning eight of them via knockout. He has also suffered defeat once, something that happened in 2014 at the hands of Toka Kahn Clary. The 33-year-old’s last fight was in February when he faced and won over Genaro Rodriguez.
Magsayo did admit that his upcoming fight may be a bit odd though something he can adjust to. He is aware that with most of his countrymen confined in their homes, Filipinos will be cheering him on as they follow his fight online on Sept. 23.
"It's better to have an audience especially if there are Filipinos. But we are all helpless right now and need to adapt to the situation," Magsayo said.
