One last step to seize the chance of a lifetime. On October 29, our Michael Magnesi will face the final obstacle that separates him from the opportunity to fight for the WBC super featherweight world title – and it won’t be a minor challenge. The Italian boxer will have to travel to Manila, in the homeland of his opponent, the dangerous Filipino puncher Mark Magsayo, a former world featherweight champion.
The news had been in the air. With his brilliant yet demanding victory over Frenchman El Hadri on March 28, Magnesi proved that he had fully shaken off the aftermath of the brutal KO he suffered a year earlier at the hands of Rikiishi, reclaiming the WBC Silver belt, a classic springboard toward a true world championship shot.
That success propelled him to the No. 2 spot in the rankings, right behind Magsayo himself, making it very likely that the organization led by Mauricio Sulaiman would pit the two fighters against each other to determine the next mandatory challenger. Whoever emerges victorious from the battle in Manila will earn the right to challenge the talented American O’Shaquie Foster.
Mark Magsayo is a boxer who has always relied heavily on his physicality and punching power – qualities that have often proved decisive in his rise through the world ranks. Possessing good hand speed as well as sharp, heavy blows, the Filipino sometimes trusts too much in his ability to hurt opponents, dropping several rounds due to his indolent approach and tendency to prefer single shots over combinations.
His world triumph, back in January 2022, was partially aided by good fortune, as his opponent, then reigning champion Gary Russell Jr., injured himself in the early rounds and fought most of the bout using only one arm.
For Magnesi, this will be a tactically tricky challenge, as his style – that of a relentless pressure fighter – will inevitably expose him to Magsayo’s venomous counters. Our boxer will therefore need to find a delicate balance between the need to score points on the cards by working up close in his usual way, and the necessity of not opening himself up too much to avoid disaster.
On the other hand, one cannot expect to reach the great world dream without overcoming difficult and risky tests. Michael has taken all the necessary steps to arrive at this crucial appointment at the peak of his abilities. He is mature and experienced enough to give his best, and we are certain he will not go down without a fight.