Magsayo's Japanese challenger arrives in Bohol

CEBU, Philippines — Former Japanese featherweight champion Shota Hayashi has set foot in Tagbilaran City, four days ahead of his title showdown with Mark 'Magnifico' Magsayo, the ALA Gym stalwart who is considered as one of the brightest stars of Philippine boxing today.

Hayashi was with his whole team led his promoter/manager Hatanaka Kiyoshi.

Hayashi will challenge the undefeated Magsayo, who will defend his WBO International featherweight title for the third time.

The Magsayo-Hayashi bout headlines the highly-anticipated 'Pinoy Pride 43:Battle in Bohol' this Saturday night at the Bohol Wisdom School gymnasium.Magsayo is unscathed in 17 fights spiked with 13KOs, while Hayashi carries a 30-6-1 record with 18KOs.

Fighting in the undercard are Magsayo’s stablemates in “Prince” Albert Pagara and Jeo “Santino” Santisima, who will face Tanzanian Mohammed Kambuluta and Indonesian Kichang “The Lion from Borneo” Kim, respectively. (FREEMAN)