Magsio: "Now I'm the champion"

“My dream came true,” said the new WBC featherweight champion Mark Magsio. “This has been my dream since childhood. I am very proud that I am now a champion. A big thank you to the Filipino fans for their support."

Magsio (24-0, 16 KOs) ends the reign of the world's longest-serving male boxing champion Gary Russell Jr. (31-2, 18 KOs), who lost heavily due to a right shoulder injury that became noticeable in the fourth round.

“I knew he had an injury,” Magsio said. — I hit him with good shots. That's why he got it. This was a big advantage for me. He used only one hand. This was my opportunity to finish the job. My coach told me to use good combinations and see them through. He said, "This is your chance to be a champion," and now I'm a champion."

Magsio did not give a specific answer to the rematch: “It depends on my promotion team, but I am ready to fight anyone. I'm the champion now!"

Ring legend Manny Pacquiao also addressed Magsio on social media: “Congratulations to Mark Magsio on his first world title! Thank you for honoring our country by becoming the new Filipino World Boxing Champion. Welcome to the club".