CEBU, Philippines — Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo confessed that the very reason he’s into boxing is Manny Pacquiao, his childhood idol.
Magsayo even fondly recalled that he laced his first pair of gloves at the tender age of eight buoyed by his ardent desire to become a world champion someday like the Filipino legend he look up to with immeasurable degree of reverence.
Nearly two decades have passed - 18 years to be exact, Magsayo’s most awaited moment to fulfill his dream has finally come.
It’s the moment of truth for the undefeated Boholano featherweight prospect.
In what is by far the biggest fight of his life, Magsayo (23-0, 16KOs) will challenge defending WBC featherweight crownholder Gary Russell, Jr. (31-1, 18KOs) in a scheduled 12-round rumble on Saturday night (Sunday morning, Phl time) at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
“Manny Pacquiao is my idol, ever since I was a kid. I started training at eight-years-old because of him to one day become world champion. Now that time is here,” said Magsayo, now 26.
“This is my fight, my biggest fight, and I will do my best to win it and take this opportunity,” added the pride of Tagbilaran City, Bohol. “I’m very excited about what I’m going to experience. I have Manny Pacquiao by my side, who has been my hero since I was a little boy. My idol, thanks to him, I am in boxing, so now I dedicate this fight to my family and my idol.”
Magsayo vowed to make the most out of the golden chance knowing that everything is at stake in his crucial match against Russell.
“I have to take my chances in this fight, it’s the championship on the line, and my record is undefeated. It’s a lot of things on the line. I have to win because this is my goal. The time has come. I’m here, in the main event, on pay-per-view, live, and that’s why I’m going to give my best,” said Magsayo.
“I’m taller than him (Russell). I’m stronger than him. We have the same speed, but no matter what happens, I will give my best in the ring because I know that if I win this fight, it will change my life. Pacquiao told me to come and give everything in the ring to take the belt home.”
Going into the toughest battle of his career, Magsayo is surely in high spirits getting words of encouragement from Pacquiao himself.
“Good luck on your fight (Magsayo). We are rooting for you! Just remember that you are stepping into that ring to show to the whole world what Filipinos are made of. Thank you for making us proud,” said Pacquiao in cheering up Magsayo through his Facebook page.