Rising Filipino star Mark Magsayo (24-0, 16 KOs) looks to make the first defense of his WBC featherweight championship on Saturday as he takes on former 122-pound champion Rey Vargas from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Magsayo surprised the boxing world in January when he upset long-time reigning titleholder Gary Russell Jr. Now, Magsayo looks to prove the Russell fight wasn't a fluke.
“I am very thankful to my team for giving me the opportunity to defend my title in San Antonio,” Magsayo said in a press release. “I’m excited to be fighting in the same venue where my idol Manny Pacquiao fought Marco Antonio Barrera. That was the first fight I ever saw and the reason I started boxing. We are preparing for a strong Mexican fighter in Rey Vargas. Everyone knows what the Philippines vs. Mexico boxing rivalry brings to the ring, and I’m excited to display my talents for the boxing fans in Texas and watching around the world.”
Vargas (35-0, 22 KOs) returned from a layoff due to injury to score a near shutout decision victory over Leonardo Baez in his featherweight debut in November. The 31-year-old went on the road to the U.K. to capture his title in 2017, winning a decision over previously unbeaten Gavin McDonnell. After that, Vargas made five successful defenses of his title, defeating top contenders Oscar Negrete, Ronny Rios, and Azat Hovhannisyan. His fifth successful title defense came via unanimous decision over former world champion Tomoki Kameda in July 2019.
“This fight on July 9 will be a great battle against the Filipino warrior Mark Magsayo,” Vargas said. “This is going to be exciting combat from start to finish. We know that he has great power, but we’ll be ready to counter that and anything else he brings to the ring. This is going to be a magnificent fight, and I can’t wait to step in there and compete.”
Here is everything you need to know about Mark Magsayo vs. Rey Vargas.
Magsayo surprised the boxing world in January when he upset long-time reigning titleholder Gary Russell Jr. Now, Magsayo looks to prove the Russell fight wasn't a fluke.
“I am very thankful to my team for giving me the opportunity to defend my title in San Antonio,” Magsayo said in a press release. “I’m excited to be fighting in the same venue where my idol Manny Pacquiao fought Marco Antonio Barrera. That was the first fight I ever saw and the reason I started boxing. We are preparing for a strong Mexican fighter in Rey Vargas. Everyone knows what the Philippines vs. Mexico boxing rivalry brings to the ring, and I’m excited to display my talents for the boxing fans in Texas and watching around the world.”
Vargas (35-0, 22 KOs) returned from a layoff due to injury to score a near shutout decision victory over Leonardo Baez in his featherweight debut in November. The 31-year-old went on the road to the U.K. to capture his title in 2017, winning a decision over previously unbeaten Gavin McDonnell. After that, Vargas made five successful defenses of his title, defeating top contenders Oscar Negrete, Ronny Rios, and Azat Hovhannisyan. His fifth successful title defense came via unanimous decision over former world champion Tomoki Kameda in July 2019.
“This fight on July 9 will be a great battle against the Filipino warrior Mark Magsayo,” Vargas said. “This is going to be exciting combat from start to finish. We know that he has great power, but we’ll be ready to counter that and anything else he brings to the ring. This is going to be a magnificent fight, and I can’t wait to step in there and compete.”
Here is everything you need to know about Mark Magsayo vs. Rey Vargas.
When is Mark Magsayo vs. Rey Vargas, date, start time
Date: Saturday, July 9
Main card: 9 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. BST
Main event ringwalks (approx): 11 p.m. ET / 4 a.m. BST
The main card is set to get underway at 9 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. BST, with the main event ringwalks scheduled for 11 p.m. ET / 4 a.m. BST. These timings could change due to the length of the undercard fights.
What channel/stream is Magsayo vs. Vargas?
U.S.: Showtime
UK: TBA
Showtime will broadcast the fight in the U.S. A UK broadcaster is yet to be announced.
Where is the Magsayo vs. Vargas fight?
The fight will take place at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Mark Magsayo record and bio
Nationality: Filipino
Born: June 22, 1995
Height: 5' 6.5"
Reach: 67.5"
Total Fights: 24
Record: 24-0 (16 KOs)
Rey Vargas record and bio
Nationality: Mexican
Born: November 25, 1990
Height: 5' 10.5"
Reach: 70.5"
Total Fights: 35
Record: 35-0 (22 KOs)
Mark Magsayo vs. Rey Vargas fight card
- Mark Magsayo vs. Rey Vargas for Magsayo’s WBC Featherweight title
- Brandon Figueroa vs. Carlos Castro in a WBC Featherweight eliminator
- Frank Martin vs. Jackson Mariñez; Lightweight