Bohol's Magsayo drops WBC featherweight bid

DAVAO CITY---Mark Magsayo, a Filipino boxer, lost to Brandon Figueroa by a unanimous decision on March 5 at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, ending his attempt to win the interim WBC featherweight title.

The fight was won by Figueroa, who overcame a sluggish start and continued with his offensive posture against the constantly flamboyant Magsayo, winning 118-108 according to two judges and 117-109 according to the third.

For excessive holding in the eighth and eleventh rounds, referee Thomas Taylor docked Magsayo two points, but the outcome was unaffected because Figueroa thoroughly demolished the Tagbilaran City, Bohol fighter.

With his 24-1-1 record and 18 knockouts, Figueroa is now positioned to take on WBC 126-pound champion Rey Vargas.

After losing to Vargas in a split decision last July and giving up his WBC title belt, Magsayo suffered his second straight defeat.

Magsayo's record dropped to 24-2 with 16 KOs.(Romeo Braceros Jr,)