By J. Jala | 02:41 PM August 22, 2021
Filipino boxer Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo is one step closer to a world title shot, after a knockout win over Mexican Julio Ceja in the title eliminator for the WBC featherweight title on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
In a featured bout in the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas pay-per-view, Magsayo overcame adversity — including a knockdown in the fifth round — to defeat Ceja.
The 26-year-old native of Tagbilaran also landed a perfect right hand that clearly rocked Ceja and sent him stumbling in the 10th round.
Another right hand to the face finished off the job, and Ceja crashed to the canvas.
The time of the knockout was 50 seconds in round 10, as Magsayo celebrated with a backflip in the center of the ring.
Magsayo improved to 23-0 in his professional career, with 16 victories coming by knockout. More importantly, the impressive victory made Magsayo the No. 1 contender to the WBC featherweight championship that is currently held by Gary Russell Jr. of the United States.
