Mark Magsayo Expects Title Fight After Knocking Out Julio Ceja

Filipino boxing prodigy Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo (23-0, 16 KOs) expects to fight for the featherweight strap next after knocking out Julio Ceja (32-5-1, 28 KOs) on Saturday.

The unbeaten star boxed on the same fight card Manny Pacquiao and Yordenis Ugas fought.

He defeated the former world champion in the 10th round. The fight seemed even until the 10th round where Magnifico’s haymakers seemed too much to handle for Ceja. He knocked his rival out cold, leaving him motionless; he returned from the hospital Sunday after staying overnight for safety precautions.

After getting the win, Magsayo revealed that his game plan was quite simple.

“I just worked a lot on the straight punches. I kept working it round after round and when I saw he was hurt, I followed up,” the 26-year-old said. “I’m so glad for the outcome. I expected his style to make it happen and I expected a knockout tonight.”

Speaking about the fifth round where Ceja had him laying down on the canvas with a left uppercut, Magsayo said that he was surprised.

“I got knocked down and was surprised, but I focused my mind on what I wanted, a world championship shot. It’s my dream today and now it’s coming true.”

Meanwhile, Ceja has put up a record of 0-3-1 that includes his defeat to Guillermo Rigondeaux and a draw to Brandon Figueroa.