Top Filipino featherweight contender Mark Magsayo has shed all the ring rust that he collected during his one year of inactivity. After eking out a split decision last October for his ring return, Magsayo showed vast improvements under head trainer Freddie Roach as he scored an impressive fourth round knockout against Pablo Cruz at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, Sunday morning (Manila time).
Fighting on the undercard of the Jaron Ennis-Sergey Lipinets welterweight fight, Magsayo used the first round to measure out his opponent to chased him around the ring. He scored a flash knockdown in the second round, flooring Cruz with a jab. The big difference for the 25-year-old Filipino fighter was that he did not recklessly go for the kill. He stayed within their game plan even if he already hurt his opponent.
More punishment awaited Cruz in the third round where he suffered a second knockdown. Magsayo threw a combination capped by a big left hook that really hurt Cruz. The Filipino slugger then tried to go for the kill but eased up in the final minute when he sensed that his opponent already shook the cobwebs off.
Staying patient paid off for Magsayo as he found an opening in the fourth round, where he landed his vaunted right straight to send Cruz crashing to the canvas again. Referee John Callas did not even bother to start a count as he waved off the fight to protect Cruz from further punishment.
With the win, Magsayo retains his undefeated record with 22 victories, 15 coming via knockout. He's currently ranked fifth by the WBC and IBF, eighth by the WBO, and 10th by the WBA so he could very well be on his way to a title fight in the near future.
Mark Magsayo wins via 4th Round Knockout #Boxing #Powcast @KnuckleheadSean @MannyPacquiao pic.twitter.com/rQSQDmYYCl
— Powcast Sports (@POWCASTSPORTS) April 11, 2021