Mark Magsayo Thinks Gary Russell Still ‘Underestimates’ His Ability

Despite Gary Russell Jr showing respect to Mark Magsayo, Magsayo still feels he’s being underestimated.

Thursday’s press conference was nothing but both fighters trying to make their case for why they will win Saturday night at Borgata’s Event center in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“He’s not expecting that I’m fast and have speed, too,” Magsayo told Boxing Scene.

“I’m not all power. That’s what he thinks about me. I’ll prove to him that I’m not slow or weak. I’m strong and fast, and that’s what I’m gonna prove when I face him. Gary Russell underestimates my ability. He thinks that I’m slow. It’s good to think that I’m slow, so that he can be surprised when I face him.”

Russell is a 3-1 favorite, according to Caesars Sportsbook, but odds have dropped after Russell revealed he has a “slight” undisclosed injury.

Russell (31-1, 18 KOs), the WBC world featherweight champion, hasn’t fought in nearly two years. His last contest was against Tugstogt Nyambayar in February 2020, which he won via unanimous decision.

Magsayo (23-0, 16 KOs), meanwhile, has made some noise in the division after scoring a vicious knockout of Julio Ceja on the undercard of Yordenis Ugas vs Manny Pacquiao back in August.

After the viral win, Magsayo called to have a title shot, and on Saturday, Magsayo will be getting just that.

The 12-round main event is part of a Showtime Championship Boxing tripleheader, which is set to start at 9 p.m. ET.