Mark Magsayo predicts knockout if Rey Vargas doesn’t ‘run too much’

Filipino boxer Mark Magsayo. SHOWTIME

MANILA, Philippines—Mark Magsayo may have to put on some running shoes against Rey Vargas as he expects to chase after the Mexican challenger in their world title fight on July 9 at Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

If Magsayo will have his way, however, it would be to his advantage if Vargas decides to be more willing to exchange punches.

“He always goes backward all fight,” Magsayo said in an interview with BoxingScene.com. “I hope this coming fight he’s not gonna run too much. There’s gonna be a knockout if he’s not gonna run too much.”

Magsayo (24-0, 16KOs) sees similarities in the style of Vargas (35-0, 22KOs) and Gary Russell Jr., whom he dethroned to win the WBC featherweight belt in January.

“To win this fight, I’ll have to use my footwork,” said Magsayo.

“It’s hard to catch him. The guy is tall and he’s gonna run, so I need to make adjustments, just like the Gary Russell fight. He was too small and he was gonna run, so it’s hard to hit them when they run.”

Magsayo beat Russell by majority decision in a fight where the crafty American was still able to make life difficult for the Tagbilaran City native despite mostly fighting with just one arm due to a right shoulder injury.

The 27-year-old Magsayo, who’s under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, assured he’s prepared to handle any kind of style Vargas shows up with in their Showtime main event.

“I saw his training, his sparring,” Magsayo said. “He’s always [going] backward, backward, staying away from his opponent. In the gym, we’ve trained for different styles – slugger, a brawler fighter and a [boxer]. Whatever his style is in this fight, we’re ready.”

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