AVALOS (CDN PHOTO / LITO TECSON)
FOR 26-year old Chris Avalos, the bad practice of going into a fight with little preparations resulting in oainful losses, is but a thing of the past.
And to show that he has kicked the undesirable habit, Avalos, a former world title challenger vowed to end the unbeaten run of 20-year old Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo (13-0, 10KOs) of the famed ALA Boxing Gym in the undercard of this Saturday’s “The Time Has Come: Donaire Vs. Bedak” at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
At stake is the WBO International featherweight title and a bigger credential in their boxing resume.
Avalos and his team composed of his manager Mike Criscio and his father/trainer Felipe Avalos arrived in Cebu last Sunday evening and had a press conference yesterday at the Golden Prince Hotel.
And the American was quick to remind everyone of his main objective in coming over. And that is to bring to Los Angeles the WBO international featherweight title.
“He had problems before. He fought Carl Frampton with just a three-week training. He fought another opponent while being sick and was hospitalized after the fight. He under prepared in his previous fights that’s why he lost,” said Criscio. “But not this time. The real Chris Avalos will fight on Saturday night so it’s going to be a very great fight.”
Avalos (26-4 19KOs) fought British Carl Frampton last year for the IBF World Super bantamweight title but lost via TKO. Before that, he was WBO NABO super bantamweight champion for two years. After losing to Frampton, he fought and won against Filipino Rey Perez but lost his next bout to Oscar Valdez.
“It’s gonna be a good fight,” said Avalos. “He’s better be ready because I am ready.”
He said he is more prepared and focused this time and is very comfortable in Cebu. He said he enjoys the very warm climate here.
“I’ve trained hard for this fight. They say that the heat will be a factor for me but there’s no problem. I enjoy the hot weather here especially the people, the food and the place,” added Avalos who claimed to have trained for three months for Magsayo.
“I’ve seen a lot of errors from Magsayo. I studied him. We are both fighters who want to win so let’s see on Saturday night because I came here to fight.”