Figueroa beat Magsayo in the battle of ex-champions: video

Toyota Arena, Ontario, California, USA. In the main bout of the evening, the vacant “interim” WBC featherweight title (up to 57.2 kg) was played out: in the battle of ex-champions, American Brandon Figueroa (24-1-1, 18 KOs) snatched a difficult victory from Filipino Mark Magsio (24 -2, 16 KOs).

Both were clearly wary of each other’s firepower. Therefore, the battle began neatly and slowly. Figueroa tried to confuse Magsayo by boxing in a southpaw stance. Unexpectedly, there are a lot of jabs, the Filipino actively works out on his feet and often knits the hands of an American.

In the 2nd round, the first exchanges took place. Figueroa is more active, but Magsaio has a good moment – he countered, seized the initiative, forced the favorite to retreat and defend at the ropes.

Main event starting hot and heavy @markmagsayo_MMM connects on a big right at the top of round #FigueroaMagsayo pic.twitter.com/H6C8H10r7f

— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) March 5, 2023

The third three-minute for the Filipino. He moves great, confused Figueroa with a ragged rhythm. But will he have enough functionality for the entire distance, given the tough pressure of the opponent and problems at the weigh-in?

.@BrandonLeeFig returns serve with a nice double left to close out the 3rd#FigueroaMagsayo is picking up heat pic.twitter.com/VXLmD5zazV

— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) March 5, 2023

So far, Magsayo’s plan for the fight is working. They are lucky that the referee has not yet penalized for gripping hands. In the 7th round, Figueroa began to gradually seize the initiative. And in the 8th three-minute period, the referee finally penalized the Filipino. And here is his response to this decision of the third in the ring:

Wow what a combo! @markmagsayo_MMM showing off electrifying speed in round #FigueroaMagsayo pic.twitter.com/LJaDKDkC1D

— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) March 5, 2023

The heat has gone! Mahach in the 9th round. Figueroa seized the initiative, forced Magsayo to survive in the 10th three-minute period. The Filipino has already been on the canvas several times, but so far there has been no clean knockdown.

And now Magsayo is in trouble. Another penalty in the 11th round. The Filipino gave free rein to his fists in the decisive round, but he had no strength to turn the tide of the fight for a long time. The plan for the fight is good, but the victory is for the favorite.

Judges score: 117-109, 117-109 and 118-108. Overdone, to be honest. The fight was much more competitive.

Figueroa UD 12.