CEBU, Philippines — The unbeaten Boholano power-hitter Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo (19-0, 14KOs) shoots for the WBC Asia and IBF Pan Pacific featherweight belts as he slugs it out with former world champion Panya Uthok (53-6, 35KOs) of Thailand in the main event of the ‘Pride of Bohol’ fightcard tonight at the Bohol Wisdom School gym in Tagbilaran City.
Magsayo readies himself for a tough war against Uthok knowing that his Thai opponent is an ex-world titlist who even knocked out AJ ‘Zooka’ Banal, someone he looked up to when he still about to enter the pro ranks under the aegis of the fabled ALA Gym seven years ago.
Uthok, then fighting under the ring name Pungluang Sor Singyu, pulled off a stunning ninth round stoppaged of Banal to grab the WBO bantamweight crown on October 20, 2012 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“My opponent is a very good and skilled fighter, a grizzled veteran. He was the one who knocked AJ “Bazooka” Banal out in the 9th round of their world championship bout held in Manila. He is a veteran of many fights, with a lot of experience under his belt. He is also a two-time world champion. This is not an easy bout because about 20 Pinoy boxers have fallen prey to this Thai fighter,” said Magsayo in an interview with Reylan Loberternos of PhilBoxing.com.
Though reluctant in making any predictions, the 24-year-old Magsayo who is now handled by Vladimir Boxing Promotions expressed confidence on his chances given the hard training and rigid preparations he went through for this bout. — EBV