Filipino Mark Magsayo ended the long reign of American Gary Russell Jr., capturing his WBC featherweight world championship belt with a points victory on Saturday night in Atlantic City.
Undefeated Magsayo, 26, was ruled the winner by two judges with the score at 115-113, with the third giving the two fighters a tie at 114-114.
It was the first defeat since 2015 for Russell, 33, who held the longest active reign in boxing for a champion.
“It’s been my dream since I was a kid,” commented Magsayo, whose promoter is retired Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao: “I’m so proud of my country. Thanks to the Filipino fans for their support, I am now world champion! “.
Russell had to battle with an injured shoulder for most of the fight, staged at a hotel-casino in Atlantic City, on the East Coast of the United States. “I hit him with some good shots in the third round, that’s why he was injured,” explained Magsayo, who now has 24 wins, including 16 by knockout, in as many fights. .
For Russell, notorious for boxing infrequently, this fight was only the sixth defense of his title since 2015.
