Mark Magsayo Becomes The New WBC Featherweight King
Mark Magsayo has upset the odds after beating Gary Russell Jr. via majority decision to become the new WBC world featherweight champion at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Saturday night.
Russell put up a spectacular fight despite hurting his right shoulder and essentially fighting with one arm in the final rounds.
One judge scored the contest 114-114, while the other two scored 115-113 and 115-113 for Magsayo.
Russell seemed in disbelief when the announcer called out the scores, as he was waving his arms in the air and hoping to retain the title.
#AndNew 🇵🇭🙌🏼 @markmagsayo_MMM ends Gary Russell Jr’s title reign to become the WBC Featherweight World Champion. #RussellMagsayo pic.twitter.com/oWSYIwGoyf
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) January 23, 2022
Speaking to Showtime’s Jim Gray right after the fight concluded, Magsayo said: “My dream came true. This is my dream since I was a child. I’m so proud I’m a champion now.”
The former champ’s seven-year title reign ended in a disappointing manner.
The outcome may have been different had he not been nursing the shoulder injury from the start. In the post-fight interview, Russell said: “I couldn’t use my right arm.”
He suspected that he may have torn his tendon two weeks ago during the training camp. This was Russell first loss since 2014.