Leo Santa Cruz eyes WBC champion Mark Magsayo

WBC featherweight champion Mark Magsayo (left) and WBA featherweight super champion Leo Santa Cruz. AFP FILE PHOTOS

MANILA, Philippines—Mark Magsayo’s upset win over Gary Russell Jr. in January evidently put a target on his back and one man already has his sights on the WBC featherweight champion.

WBA featherweight super champion Leo Santa Cruz said he wants to take on Magsayo once he takes care of business against Keenan Carbajal on Sunday (Manila time) at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.

Santa Cruz, who held titles in four divisions, said he initially wanted to fight Russell but with the title now belonging to Magsayo, it’s only fitting he takes a crack at the champion.

“If everything goes good on Saturday night, I think it was Magsayo of the Philippines,” said Santa Cruz in the press conference leading up to his fight against Carbajal.

Santa Cruz is in the undercard of the Keith Thurman-Mario Barrios bout and he looks to get back on track after losing Gervonta Davis in October 2020 in his challenge for the WBA lightweight title.

“I wanted to fight Gary Russell, the fighter never happened. But I think Magsayo is a good fighter, strong fighter and I think a fight against him would be really great,” said Santa Cruz.

While Santa Cruz is aiming at Magsayo, the 26-year-old Filipino will have his schedule full as he’s set to make his first defense against former WBC super bantamweight champion Rey Vargas.

Nevertheless, Magsayo also expressed his desire to take on Santa Cruz during a press conference with the WBC back in January.