Mark Magsayo relishes lessons from Freddie Roach ahead of next fight

Former featherweight world champion Mark Magsayo is grateful for the time he spent with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.

Roach, best known for being Manny Pacquiao’s head coach, used to train Magsayo at the famed Wild Card Gym until he made the switch to Filipino trainer Marvin Somodio.

“I want to thank Freddie Roach for everything I learned from him. Now having Marvin Somodio as my trainer, he is great and we understand each other,” Magsayo said.

“I’ve been training since October for this fight and it’s been great. I’ve been doing a lot of rounds in sparring. This is going to be a great fight.”

Magsayo, 24-1 with 16 knockouts, will fight former world champion Brandon Figueroa for the WBC interim featherweight title on March 4 at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.

The 27-year-old from Bohol is coming off his first loss last July against Rey Vargas and says he is hungry to become a world titleholder again.

“I’m hungrier than ever. I’ve always been hungry, but I know I need to win this fight. This is my chance to become a champion again,” Magsayo stated.

“I’ve come back stronger for this fight. I learned a lot from my last fight. I’m very thankful to have an opportunity like this to show everyone that I’m a better fighter now.”

—JMB, GMA Integrated News