New Jersey, USA — Filipino Mark Magsayo dethroned WBC featherweight champ Gary Russell on Saturday with a majority decision to end the longest championship reign in professional boxing.
According to Rappler, Magsayo succeeded in his first attempt at winning a world title, with two judges scoring the fight 115-113 in his favor and one judge scoring it at 114-114.
“This is my dream since I was a kid,” said Magsayo. “I am so proud of my country. Thank you for the support from Filipino fans. Now I became a world champion.”
Magsayo, who is promoted by Manny Pacquiao and trained by Freddie Roach, improved to 24-0 with 16 knockouts with his upset win.
Magsayo won the WBC title that Russell held for nearly seven years, the longest period a boxer has ever held onto a championship.
The victory places Magsayo among the current ranks of active Filipino boxing world champions Rene Cuarto, Jerwin Ancajas, John Riel Casimero, and Nonito Donaire, Inquirer reported.
Source: Yahoo news, AFP