Mark Magsayo Secures Victory Over Jorge Mata, Remains Title Contender

LAS VEGAS – Mark Magsayo, the 30-year-old junior lightweight contender and former WBC featherweight champion, maintained his status as a title contender by defeating Jorge Mata in a decisive unanimous decision on Saturday night. The match, which took place on the undercard of the highly publicized Manny Pacquiao versus Mario Barrios fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, showcased Magsayo's boxing skills as he outperformed the Mexican veteran over ten rounds.

Judges Mike Fitzgerald and Jack Reiss scored the bout 100-90 in favor of Magsayo, while Glenn Feldman had it 98-92. Magsayo now improves his record to 28 wins, 2 losses, and 18 knockouts, marking his fourth consecutive victory since a loss to Brandon Figueroa in March 2023 in a WBC interim featherweight title bout.

Magsayo's strategy involved steadily landing powerful right hands and maintaining a higher work rate throughout the fight. Despite both fighters exchanging punches, neither inflicted significant damage on the other. Mata, who entered the ring with a record of 21 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws, could not match Magsayo's precision and volume of punches, leading to the end of his five-fight winning streak.

In the final round, Magsayo engaged in showboating, which delighted the Filipino crowd present. Meanwhile, Mata attempted to remain competitive, landing some rights but failing to establish a consistent offensive strategy. His lack of activity and accuracy ultimately cost him the fight.

The match was characterized by a tactical first half, with Magsayo landing the more impactful strikes. In the later rounds, he showcased his ability to control the pace, even as Mata tried to respond with counterattacks. Magsayo’s right hand consistently found its target, particularly in the sixth and seventh rounds, where he began to dominate.

Magsayo's victory not only solidifies his position in the junior lightweight rankings but also sets the stage for potential future title opportunities. His performance under the bright lights of Las Vegas has once again captured the attention of boxing fans and officials alike.

Furthermore, another Filipino boxer, Eumir Marcial, also showcased his talent by knocking out Bernard Joseph in the third round of their bout. Marcial's performance, alongside Magsayo's victory, highlights the emerging boxing talent from the Philippines, which continues to make waves in the international arena.

As Magsayo looks ahead, discussions about his next opponent are likely to intensify, with many analysts suggesting that he is poised for a title shot given his recent performances. Boxing experts and fans alike will be watching closely to see how Magsayo navigates the competitive landscape of the junior lightweight division in the months to come.