Magsayo trains guns on Haro for IBF belt

MARK “Magnifico” Magsayo is training his guns on American Jose Haro and aiming for the International Boxing Federation featherweight belt at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California on September 23.

The 25-year-old told The Manila Times on Thursday in an overseas call that he is pleased with his present program courtesy of strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune and acclaimed trainer Freddie Roach in his legendary Wildcard Gym.

The Tacloban native, with a 20-0 win-loss record with 14 knockouts, vows to live up to the winning reputation of Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions.

“Dapat maganda ‘yung ipapakita ko sa laban dahil na kay idol Manny na promotion na ako (I should present a good fight because I’m under the promotion company of my idol, Manny Pacquiao),” said Magsayo, who won via unanimous decision against former world champion Panya Uthok of Thailand in Bohol on Aug. 31, 2019.

While at Roach’s gym in Los Angeles, Magsayo has been sparring with Ukrainian Viktor Postol, Armenian Azat Hovhannisyan and several Mexican fighters. He revealed that Fortune has been helping to improve his endurance.

“Maganda ‘yung training namin ni Justin ‒ stamina sa laban. Ayun talaga comment ng mga tao ngayon (Justin Fortune and I have been having good training sessions ‒ stamina for the fight. That’s really the comment from people these days),” said Magsayo, who does not want to be overconfident about his upcoming opponent.

With a 15-1-1 win-loss-draw record with eight knockouts, the 33-year-old Haro won via unanimous decision over Genaro Velarde Rodriguez in the Mexican’s hometown last February.

“Magaling si Haro. Siya’y tactical fighter at may jab. Hindi natin pwedeng underestimate kahit my edad na. Hindi ko na rin iniisip na undefeated ako. Gusto ko manalo lang (Haro is proficient. He’s a tactical fighter with a jab. We can’t underestimate him even if he’s of a certain age. Also that I’m undefeated is not something I’m considering. I just want to win),” he added.

Ranked No. 4 in the IBF featherweight division and No. 3 in the World Boxing Council, Magsayo’s stock will go up if he gains victory over Haro.

“Time ko na ito para ipakita sa buong mundo na kaya kong maging world champion (This is my time to prove to the whole world that I’m capable of being a world champion),” he declared.

Source: TheManila Times