WBC featherweight champion Mark Magsayo will be trying to prove that his title reign is not a fluke as he faces Rey Vargas on Saturday night. The action will begin at the Alamodome, San Antonio (9:00 p.m. ET, Showtime).
Magsayo (24-0-16 KO) won his title against Gary Russell Jr. in January. Russell Jr. entered the fight saying that he was suffering from a right shoulder injury. This was evident throughout the fight, as Russell fought essentially one-handed. The fight was still close as Magsayo moved repeatedly to Russell's right, allowing Russell to use his only weapon, the hand that he had, throughout.
Magsayo managed to win the final match and retain the title. This was Russell's seven-year reign of title control. Russell only defended his title six times during that period.
"This is very special to me. After watching Manny Pacquiao face Marco Antonio Barrera at the Alamodome in San Antonio, it was that day that I decided that I would start training at the gym. Magsayo stated at the press conference that he was so grateful to have the fight, which is a true dream come true, take place in San Antonio.
"This fight is very important for me. Russell beat me, but I want to prove myself. Both of us will go into the fight feeling confident and it's going be a great fight.
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Vargas (35-0; 22 KO) was the former WBC super-bantamweight champion. He won the title in February 2017 against Gavin McDonnell. Before he was able to defend the belt five more times, Vargas suffered a broken leg and various problems with his promotion team.
Vargas made his featherweight debut and won a convincing victory over Leonardo Baez. He was then appointed Magsayo's mandatory opponent.
"If you'd like to have a good laugh, I'm happy to oblige. It's a compliment to him that he has added so many people to his team. Vargas stated that he takes me seriously but it's an advantage for him because it makes me feel more worried.
"We have great trainers in every corner. I have had the privilege of sharing the ring with Freddie, who is a great trainer. It will be Mark and me inside the ring in the end. We are ready to put on a show."
Undercard: Brandon Figueroa, a former super bantamweight champion, will be taking on Carlos Castro. Figueroa (25 years old) has not fought since he lost a majority decision against Stephen Fulton in November, to unify WBC and WBO titles. This was his first loss in his blossoming career. Castro is facing a difficult test, as he just lost his first career loss to Luis Nery in February.
"My last loss taught a lot to me and I'm returning with all I have. Figueroa stated that she had a great training camp and is excited to return and prove that, just as I did at 122 lbs, I belong in this division. I learned to be more patient since my last fight. I learned that my height and technical skills can be used to my advantage.
Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
Magsayo is not difficult to understand. Magsayo comes forward and attempts to enter to brawl. He is a strong fighter, as he showed when he knocked out Julio Ceja for his title shot. However, Vargas's rangy opponent Vargas will make it difficult to land consistently. Technically, the Mexican fighter is superior to Vargas. His ability to use his reach and pick apart a lot of good opponents has been impressive.
Given the matchup of Magsayo and the difficulties he has faced in his career (including his title win over one-armed Russell), the odds of Magsayo winning the fight are closer than you might think. This fight seems to be the type where Vargas can dictate pace and range, and work his way up to a victory and a title at a second weight. Pick: Rey Vargas via UD
