WBC featherweight world champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo is gearing up for a showdown with former world champion Rey Vargas. One of them will lose their unbeaten record on Saturday, July 9 from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Showtime will televise the fight.

In January, the 26-year-old Magsayo (24-0, 16 KOs) became a major player when he knocked off longtime champion Gary Russell Jr. to capture the WBC title. 

The victory was on the back of Magsayo's dramatic knockout win over former champion Julio Ceja from last August.

Magsayo expects fireworks in the upcoming fight.

“I am very thankful to my team for giving me the opportunity to defend my title in San Antonio,” said Magsayo.

“I’m excited to be fighting in the same venue where my idol Manny Pacquiao fought Marco Antonio Barrera. That was the first fight I ever saw and the reason I started boxing. We are preparing for a strong Mexican fighter in Rey Vargas. Everyone knows what the Philippines vs. Mexico boxing rivalry brings to the ring and I’m excited to display my talents for the boxing fans in Texas and watching around the world.”

Vargas (35-0, 22 KOs), a former super bantamweight champion, returned to action from a layoff due to injury to score a near shutout decision victory over Leonardo Baez in his featherweight debut in November 2021 on the undercard of Canelo vs. Plant.

The 31-year-old, trained by Hall of Fame coach Ignacio “Nacho” Beristáin, has a record of solid of wins against fights like Gavin McDonnell, Oscar Negrete, Ronny Rios and Azat Hovhannisyan and Tomoki Kameda.

“This fight on July 9 will be a great battle against the Filipino warrior Mark Magsayo,” said Vargas.

“This is going to be exciting combat from start to finish. We know that he has great power, but we’ll be ready to counter that, and anything else he brings to the ring. This is going to be a magnificent fight and I can’t wait to step in there and compete.”