Rey Vargas stands tall against Mark Magsayo on Saturday in San Antonio.
The former 122-pound champion used his height and approach to overtake Magsayo and take the Filipino’s 126-pound title in Saturday’s decisive match at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
Vargas 5 foot-10½ (36-0, 22 KOs) uses long, hard punches as a barrier that 5-6 Magsayo (24-1, 16 KOs) can’t penetrate, at least with enough tenacity. determined to win the fight.
Magsayo, a tough fighter, had a better performance in the second half of the match and was able to knock out Vargas in the 9th round. However, that was not enough to win all three referees.
Two of them helped Mexico win 115-112, while the third scored 114-113 for Magsayo. Boxing Junkie scores 116-111 for Vargas, nine thirds.
Vargas is now a two division owner.
“I have no words to describe what happened here tonight,” he said through an interpreter. “It was my second title. This is going back to Mexico. “
Rey Vargas celebrates with his team. Ryan Hafey / Top Boxing Champion
Magsayo made a groundbreaking decision against longtime WBC ruler Gary Russell Jr in January, although the fact Russell fought most of the fight with an injured shoulder leaves Magsayo with something to do. prove.
He failed to do so, largely because he couldn’t figure out how to get inside with enough regularity to deal damage.
Defender Manny Pacquiao had the biggest moment with about 40 seconds left in Round 9, when he landed straight putting Vargas on the frame. He was not seriously injured but he seemed stunned.
However, Magsayo did not – or could not – attack with enough urgency in the final half-minute of Round 9 and beyond. Vargas, using his smart reach and movement, won the last two rounds with all three cards, which made him nod to two cards in Vargas’ favor.
Magsayo credits Vargas for his win but he doesn’t appreciate a tactic he believes his opponent used.
“He did his job in the ring, running. It’s okay,” said the former champion.
Vargas now has many options as a title holder.
Brandon Figueroa stopped Carlos Castro in Saturday’s WBC title elimination, making him the leading contender to fight for the belt. However, Vargas said he was targeting a specific fellow owner.
“Unified,” he said when asked what he wanted next. “I want [WBC beltholder] Leo Santa Cruz for my next fight. “
