Mark Magsayo became one of the faces of Philippine boxing after winning world title, says analyst

Mark Magsayo has now become one of the new faces of Philippine boxing after defeating Gary Russell Jr., according to veteran boxing analyst Atty. Ed Tolentino.

Magsayo, 26, won the WBC world featherweight title by beating Russell by way of majority decision earlier this month. He holds a professional boxing record of 24-0 with 16 knockouts.

“He is young and undefeated, why not? He is one of the new faces of boxing and we need it. We need young blood because that is the life of boxing, they are the cycle of life and we need that,” said Tolentino.

“Nonito Donaire is winding at 39 years old and maybe this year he ends his career and join Manny Pacquiao in the retirement pasture, then there's Jerwin Ancajas and John Riel Casimero.”

The win over Russell also made Magsayo the fifth current world champion the Philippines has to offer. Though Magsayo might not end up being the next Pacquiao, he has the opportunity to write his legacy down the road according to Tolentino.

“We welcome new faces because we are now in the post-Pacquiao era. The bandwagon is gone and only the loyal boxing fans are left,” Tolentino quipped.

“He may not be the new Pacquiao. He may not be the second Pacquiao. He may be the first Magsayo and it may not be bad if he excels down the road.”

—JMB, GMA News