Magsayo to face Mexican hard-hitter in US return

CEBU, Philippines —  Unbeaten Boholano featherweight contender Mark Magsayo (20-0, 14KOs) will slug it out with a new opponent in hard-hitting Rigoberto Hermosillo (11-2-1, 8KOs) in the 10-round main event of FS1 Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) Fight Night on FOX Sports set for October 3 (October 4 Phl time) at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California.

The 25-Magsayo was originally set to clash with veteran Jose “Pepito” Haro but Haro caught everyone by surprise after announcing his retirement a little over two weeks into the bout.

Still, the IBF ranked No.4 Magsayo braces for a tough challenge against the last sub Hermosillo knowing that a loss will jeopardize all bright plans laid down for him by MP Promotions chief Sean Gibbons.

Magsayo will see action for only the second time in US since he scored a stunning first-round knockout of Mexico’s Yardley Sanchez during the historic Pinoy Pride show of ALA Promotions and ABS-CBN Sports on October 17, 2015 at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, California.

It will also be Magsayo’s first ring appearance in 13 months. He hasn’t fought since winning by unanimous decision over Thai Panya Uthok on August 31, 2019 at the Bohol Wisdom School gym in his hometown Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

Hermosillo, on the other hand, went unscathed in his first 12 pro matches that includes a draw but fumbled  in his last two fights by decision against Manny Robles III and Viktor Slavinskyi last year. — EBV