Boxing
Mark Magsayo open to Gary Russell Jr. rematch: 'I'm willing to fight anyone'
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New WBC champion Mark Magsayo is willing to fight anyone to maintain his unbeaten record, and may also give Gary Russell Jr. the chance of a rematch.
The Filipino fighter emerged victorious on Saturday courtesy of a majority judges’ decision to depose Russell.Two judges scored it 115-113 and the other 114-114, meaning it was tight enough to justify a rematch even if there was no clause to invoke for one, given Magsayo’s standing as the mandatory challenger.
“This is my dream come true,” said Magsayo after the fight.
“Ever since I was a kid, this was my dream. I’m so proud that I’m a champion now. Thank you so much to the Filipino fans for the support.”
The new champion explained he used Russell’s shoulder problem to gain an advantage.
“I knew that he was hurt in round four,” Magsayo noted.
“I took advantage of it because he was only using one hand. This was my opportunity to follow through. My coach was telling me to use good combinations and follow through. He said this is your chance to become a champion and now I am a champion.”
As for a rematch, Magsayo would not rule anything out, including a rematch.
“It’s up to my promotional team,” he said. “But I’m willing to fight anybody. I’m the champion now!”
