By Bohol Island News Staff | 11:42 AM August 23, 2019
Undefeated Filipino boxer Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo returns to fight in his hometown of Tagbilaran in Bohol in “Pride of Bohol” on Aug. 31 at the Bohol Wisdom Gymnasium.
Magsayo, boasting of a 19-0 record (14 knockouts), will face Thai veteran fighter Panya Uthok for the vacant WBC Asia featherweight title and IBF Pan Pacific featherweight title.
“Pride of Bohol” is also the first offering in the country of Vladimir Boxing Promotions, which Magsayo’s wife and manager, Frances, is part of.
It will be the second time in three years that the 24-year-old Magsayo will fight before his townmates since beating Shota Hayashi of Japan by unanimous decision to retain the WBO International featherweight belt in Tagbilaran, Bohol in November 2017.
After his fight with the Japanese, Magsayo was idle for a long time following a contractual dispute with ALA Promotions, his former handler.
He made his ring return in April this year in Singapore fighting under Vladimir Boxing Promotions, knocking out Indonesian Erick Deztroyer in the fourth round for the win.
Like Magsayo, the 29-year-old Uthok has sparingly been in action recently, only having fought thrice in the last 4 years.
In earlier interview, Magsayo said he was more relaxed and confident for the August 31 bout.
“Handang-handa na ako sa laban. Pipilitin ko talagang manalo para sa mga kababayan ko sa Bohol (I’m very much ready I will really try to win for my countrymen in Bohol),” he said during his appearance in the 34th “Usapang Sports” by the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS) at the National Press Club in Intramuros.
“I’m really happy to be given the chance to fight again in front of my townmates, kaya talagang puspusan ang paghahandang ginagawa ko,” he added.