Mark Magsayo capable of scoring KO against Vargas, says analyst

Veteran boxing analyst Atty. Ed Tolentino is convinced that WBC world featherweight champion Mark Magsayo is capable of scoring a knockout when he defends his title against Rey Vargas this Sunday, July 10 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

“I think he (Magsayo) can score a knockout. I have a strong feeling because there are many holes in Vargas' defense. Vargas has this style that he throws an uppercut from a distance that leaves him very open,” Tolentino told Sparring Sessions LIVE.

“What Magsayo needs is patience. He needs to have timing and wait because there are many loopholes in Vargas' defense. He cannot be overly aggressive. Remember, Magsayo may be shorter than Vargas but boxing is measured in weight, not height.”

According to Tolentino, while the former super bantamweight champion Vargas (35-0, 22KOs) has a significant height and reach advantage over Magsayo (24-0, 16KOs), the Filipino prizefighter is the natural 126-pounder and more battle-tested in the division.

“He is the natural featherweight while this is only Vargas' second fight in the division. Magsayo's familiarity with the weight class is a big deal,” Tolentino stressed.

“I do believe the hand speed and punching power favor our champion. The loopholes will come and he (Magsayo) can take advantage of it.”

—JMB, GMA News