Mark Magsayo defeats injured Gary Russell, crowned as new WBC featherweight champ

Mark Magsayo is the new WBC world featherweight champion following a majority decision upset over an injured Gary Russell Jr. this Sunday at the Borgata Hotel Casino in Atlantic City, USA.

After twelve rounds of action, one judge scored the fight 114-114 while the other two saw it for Magsayo 115-113.

The Filipino improved his record to 24-0 with 16 knockouts while Russell suffered his second defeat as he fell to 31-2 with 18 knockouts.

Both fighters took the center of the ring in the early going, throwing jabs and hard straights at each other. Magsayo went to the body, often throwing the right uppercut on top as well. Magsayo was patient, waiting for Russell to get in before he unleash his counter-punches.

Magsayo upped the tempo in round three, mixing up his offensive and defensive arsenal to land his shots at Russell.

Russell hurt his right shoulder in round four but was able to shrug it off and finish the round.

Russell did not throw his right hand in round 6 which allowed Magsayo to close the distance and land his shots. Russell fought with one hand from thereon though Magsayo was unable to capitalize as he seemingly lost steam on the attack.

Magsayo fought with urgency in round 11 following Freddie Roach's instruction to throw more punches.

Russell made Magsayo miss in round 12 but was unable to have a strong finish with just his left hand. The American southpaw did not throw a single jab from the sixth round onwards.

—JMB, GMA News