Mark Magsayo reacts after fighting Gary Russell Jr. for the WBC world featherweight championship at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa on January 23, 2022 in Atlantic City, United States. Mitchell Leff/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Mitchell Leff / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
MANILA, Philippines—A potential title fight between WBC featherweight champion Mark Magsayo and Mexico’s Rey Vargas is in the works. The bout, which could take place in July, is expected to be on a Premier Boxing Champions card.
As per BoxingScene.com, Magsayo and Vargas’ camps are “in advanced talks” on a possible clash.
Magsayo (24-0) wrested the crown away from longtime champion Gary Russell Jr. in January via majority decision.
Both Magsayo and Vargas are looking to start their respective legacies at featherweight with the Mexican, a world champion at super bantamweight, moving up a weight class to become the mandatory challenger.
Rey Vargas (L) punches Leonardo Baez during their featherweight bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 06, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Al Bello/Getty Images/AFP
Magsayo knocked out Julio Ceja in the 10th round in August 2021 to become Russell’s mandatory challenger while Vargas (35-0) got assurance from the WBC that he would be challenging the Filipino for the 126-pound strap.
Vargas, who previously held the WBC super bantamweight belt, is coming off a unanimous decision win over Leonardo Baez in a 10-round affair in November 2021.
“Mark Magsayo is a bigger fighter (than Russell), but he’s smarter more so than just (relying on) power,” Vargas said. “Magsayo is very smart in the ring.”