FORMER IBO super-featherweight world champion Michael Magnesi could soon challenge for a fully recognised world title, following the announcement of his WBC final eliminator. Although, if he is to earn a title shot, he must do so on away soil.
Magnesi, 25-2 (13 KOs), has fought the vast majority of his career in Italy and the ‘Lone Wolf’ got his hands on the IBO strap back in 2022, when he maintained his undefeated record and knocked out Dennis Contreras in Civitavecchia.
However, Magnesi lost the title upon his very next outing, in what was just his second contest outside of his home nation, after being on the wrong side of a split-decision when tasked with Anthony Cacace on the Joyce-Parker card in Manchester.
Since then, Magnesi has returned to fighting solely in Italy and has twice claimed the WBC silver title, with a stoppage defeat to Masanori Rikiishi splitting Magnesi’ four wins in his last five bouts.
Now, with the help of the WBC silver title, Magnesi has been rewarded with a final eliminator, as he travels to the Philippines to take on former WBC featherweight world champion, Mark Magsayo, 28-2 (18 KOs), as confirmed by the FPI.
Magsayo trumped Gary Allen Russell in an upset win in early 2022 to claim world honours, but lost the belt to Rey Vargas via split-decision in an attempted first defence.
A defeat to Brandon Figueroa then marked consecutive losses and prompted a move up in weight for ‘Magnifico’, who has since strung together four straight victories and emerged as a threat to the 130lb crown.
This will be Magsayo’s first appearance in the Philippines since 2019, but the Bohol-born operator cannot afford to be overly sentimental, with Magnsei sure to provide a stern test when they collide on Wednesday, October 29.
