Another Filipino pug is about to see action on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios fight card on July 19, as former world champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo takes on Mexican slugger Jorge Mata Cuellar at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The 10-round bout, promoted by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), will be for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas super featherweight title.
Following the earlier announcement that Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Marcial will be facing American Alexis Gaytan in an eight-round non-title middleweight bout on the same card, MP Promotions has now formally confirmed Magsayo’s inclusion in the event.
“It’s a very great opportunity to fight for the second time as a part of undercard bouts of my childhood hero Manny Pacquiao, who is the main reason why I started boxing,” said the 29-year-old Magsayo, after receiving the news from MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons.
“Like the first time I fought under his card when I was in the featherweight class, this is also another steppingstone to my second division super featherweight world title bid. I’m grateful for the opportunity from big brother Manny.”
Magsayo previously fought on a Pacquiao undercard when he scored a dramatic 10th-round knockout over Mexican Julio Ceja on August 21, 2021, in Las Vegas — during what would be Pacquiao’s last U.S. fight against Yordenis Ugas.
That victory paved the way for Magsayo to win his first world title. He captured the WBC featherweight belt with a majority decision win over Gary Russell Jr. on January 22, 2022, in Atlantic City.
“I would like to thank Sir Manny Pacquiao and Sean Gibbons, who have taken care of my career and helped make me a world champion,” Magsayo said.
“I also want to thank WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, Sir Al Haymon of PBC, Tom Brown of TGB Promotions, and Louie DeCubas of PBC for their continued support.”
Currently riding a three-fight winning streak, Magsayo’s most recent victory came in emphatic fashion when he knocked out Ecuador’s Bryan Mercado in the second round last December 14 in Long Beach, California. He now holds a professional record of 27 wins (18 by knockout) and 2 losses.
“I am happy training alongside with my idol, seeing him every day still inspires me the way it did when I was a kid. He spends time with us his boxers and teaches us. I am very excited to fight July 19 and hope to see everyone in town for this thrilling Philippines vs. Mexico showdown.”
His opponent, Jorge Mata Cuellar, is expected to pose a significant challenge. At just 24 years old, the Mexican prospect holds a record of 21 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, with 13 of those wins coming by knockout.
“I want to thank Manny [Pacquiao] and Al Haymon for putting Mark on this historic night of boxing when Pacquiao attempts to become the oldest welterweight champion. A win over Jorge Mata, Mark will be next in line for a WBC world title shot,” Gibbons said.
Pacquiao, who is coming out of retirement to challenge reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, expressed his pride and joy in supporting the next generation of Filipino boxing stars such as Magsayo, Marcial, and former world champion Jerwin Ancajas.
“Thrilled to be able to help my fellow Filipinos reach their world title dreams. I have no promotions and management like this MP Promotions before when I started. So, I am incredibly happy to guide and help them in their pro boxing careers,” said the 46-year-old boxing legend and Hall of Famer.
Magsayo, Marcial, and Ancajas have all been training closely with Pacquiao and his team over the past few weeks, running at Griffith Park and sparring at the famed Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, California. The experience has provided a massive boost of motivation for the trio as they prepare for their upcoming bouts.
