Rey Vargas defeated Mark Magsayo by a split decision in a battle between undefeated featherweights. Vargas won a narrow victory in the Showtime Championship Boxing main show at San Antonio's Alamodome. He had overcome a knockdown in the final round to secure a title in a second weight category in his career.
Magsayo, who is now 24-1 and 16 KO, was asked if he could handle Vargas' reach. The only way for Magsayo to be effective would be to get inside Vargas' reach so that he can use his power punches to cause damage.
Magsayo was able close the distance better than most expected, but that was due to Vargas (36-0-22 KO), who was more willing to engage in battles with lead hooks than just working on his rangy jab. Magsayo was able land heavy overhand rights with distance not being an issue, but Vargas was always willing to give him a return fire with his hooks and overhand right.
Are you a fan of MMA and boxing? Two of the most respected names in combat sports provide the latest news. For the latest analysis and news, subscribe to Morning Kombat with Luke Thomas or Brian Campbell. Vargas began to use heavy left hooks on the body during the middle rounds to establish his jab. Magsayo seemed to lose some of his endurance as Vargas suffered a cut to his left eye in the seventh round. As Magsayo attempted to chase Vargas down, Vargas began to use his movement more. He started landing counters and slipping shots as Magsayo chased Vargas.
Magsayo, who was the brute-forcer of the pair, remained dangerous and landed the occasional right hand while he was frequently running into Vargas's sharper work. After being a champion at super bantamweight for two fights, Vargas's clean rights were a positive sign in his campaign to featherweight.
Things took a dramatic turn after Round 9. As the fighters came together Magsayo landed an impressive right hand, sending Vargas to his knees. Vargas stood up and was not hurt. However, it was a moment that Magsayo showed Vargas that he was still a dangerous fighter and Vargas was vulnerable for Magsayo's power attack.
Magsayo seemed to get another knockdown in Round 10, after two heavy shots. However, the referee doubtlessly called it a push from the champion. Vargas, who was feeling the fight was losing momentum, regained his composure and used his slicker boxing skills in the championship rounds to win a split decision victory. The scores were 115-112,113-114, and 115-112.
Vargas stated that the ninth-round knockdown was not as effective, but that it still counts. He did manage to get me with that one. I was in complete control throughout the fight, but he managed to get me a little in the ninth. Here's where I lost some control.
Vargas is still undefeated as an amateur, and the win marked the first time he had won by split decision in his professional career. He joins Josh Warrington, Leo Santa Cruz and Emanuel Navarette to be the world champion at featherweight. This is one of only five weight classes in boxing that has at least one unified champion.
Magsayo was able to give a solid account of himself despite the loss. He had entered with a championship many believed he had won in a fluke win over Gary Russell Jr., in which Russell fought almost entirely one-handed. Magsayo was not able to retain his world title but he is a solid featherweight fighter and could be eligible for another chance at the title.
