FILE – Mark Magsayo reacts after fighting Gary Russell Jr. for the WBC World Featherweight Championship at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa on January 23, 2022 in Atlantic City, United States. Mitchell Leff/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines—Mark Magsayo lost his WBC featherweight title to Rey Vargas by split decision on Sunday (Manila time) at Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Magsayo scored a knockdown in the ninth round, decking Vargas with a right hand but just couldn’t get the job done as the unbeaten Mexican showed great resolve.
Two judges scored it 115-112, 115-112 for Vargas while the other had Magsayo winning, 114-113.
Vargas (36-0, 22KOs) became a two-division champion. He was a former champion at super bantamweight before moving up to 126 pounds.
The 27-year-old Magsayo, who suffered his first loss after starting his pro career with a 24-0 record with 16 knockouts, had a hard time dealing with the much taller Vargas.
Vargas used an effective jab that disrupted Magsayo’s timing.
Magsayo’s defeat left the Philippines without a current boxing champion.
RELATED STORIES
Magsayo, Mexican foe ready to rumble for featherweight title bout in Texas
Leo Santa Cruz eyes WBC champion Mark Magsayo
Magsayo is new world boxing champ after wresting WBC featherweight title from Russell