Tension brewing between Magsayo and Avalos

CEBU, Philippines - Undefeated ALA Boxing Gym prospect Mark ‘Magnifico’ Magsayo (13-0, 10KOs) and former world challenger  Chris ‘Hitman’ Avalos (26-4, 19KOs) traded verbal jabs at the final pre-fight press conference of  "The Time Has Come" fightcard yesterday at the Caspian room of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Magsayo faces what is by far the toughest test of his budding career as he takes on Avalos for the vacant WBO International featherweight title underneath the Nonito Donaire-Zolt Bedak headliner this Saturday night at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Magsayo dismissed Avalos' claims that he lacks experience and he is not on the same level with the Mexican-American fighter.

“He may have more fights than me in the professional, but I started boxing since eight. I have been in boxing for 12 years so that (experience) should not be an issue anymore,” said the 20-year-old Magsayo.

Edito Villamor, Magsayo’s head trainer, also doesn’t agree with the remarks of Team Valos.

“Magsayo only has 13 fights but he fought quality opponents,” said Villamor.  “Look at (Vasyl) Lomachenko. The guy only has six professional fights, but is now the WBO featherweight champion.”

On Avalos being a ‘Filipino destroyer’ having beaten three Pinoy top contenders in  Rey Perez, Rolly Lunas and Drian Francisco, Magsayo said that steak will end come Saturday night.

“He beat all three Filipinos, but it stops there,” said the Tagbilaran City, Bohol-native.

“We saw his fight with Francisco and he had a hard time beating the guy,” said Villamor. “He should expect more from Magsayo because Mark is way better than Francisco.”

For his part, Avalos’ father and trainer Felipe said they are not changing their stand on the fight, insisting that his son will teach Magsayo a neat lesson in boxing.

“He (Magsayo) doesn’t know what’s he's up to. For sure, he will feel it (Avalos power) come fight night,” said the older Avalos.

For his part, ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer said Magsayo and Avalos are in the same league and they both have potentials to be a world champion in the 126-pound division.

“We should all expect this one to be a great fight. Both are high caliber boxers and we would know who the real deal is,” he said. “Mark knows what’s out there. He knows that we already have big plans for him so he must surpass this obstacle. He needs to be at his best to win.” — (FREEMAN)