Manny Pacquiao and Mark Magsayo at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Boxing gym. –MARK MAGSAYO INSTAGRAM
MANILA, Philippines—Mark Magsayo made it clear—he’s not the next Manny Pacquiao.
Being tagged the “next Manny” has always carried lofty expectations for any Filipino boxer and Magsayo believes that there will never be anyone who can match, let alone exceed, the mythos that Pacquiao created in the sport.
In an appearance at WBC’s Coffee Tuesdays, Magsayo said that he won’t be able to surpass what Pacquiao did but what he can do is walk the path that the Pacman set for him and his generation.
“There’s no next Manny Pacquiao, there’s only one Manny Pacquiao and I’m following his footsteps,” said Magsayo. “He’s my idol since I was a kid, he was my hero there in the Philippines. He’s my hero.”
Magsayo (24-0) got his career-defining moment on Sunday (Manila time) when he defeated Gary Russell Jr. for the WBC featherweight title via majority decision.
The Filipino’s victory ended Russell’s reign with the strap that lasted for six years and 10 months.
Matching Paquiao’s collection, however, will need some work as Magsayo will need to capture 11 more World titles across seven weight divisions.
“No one can surpass the history of Manny Pacquiao but I’m following his footsteps now,” said Magsayo who could defend his title against Mexico’s Rey Vargas. “I’m doing my best every training, every sparring, every fight. I’ll do my best to win every fight.