Mark Magsayo issues warning with explosive lightweight debut
Mark Magsayo during a lightweight bout against Ireland’s Feargal McCrory in the co-main event of Zuffa Boxing 05 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.–Photo from Zuffa Boxing
MANILA, Philippines–Mark Magsayo thumped his chest and did a backflip after his opponent Feargal McCrory’s corner threw in the towel in the fifth round of their lightweight bout on Monday (Manila time) at Meta Apex in Las Vegas.
A celebration like that was only fitting for Magsayo following his explosive debut at 135 pounds. The fight also marked his first under Zuffa Boxing, a pro boxing promotional company founded by UFC president Dana White.
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WELCOME TO THE LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION MARK MAGSAYO👏
The opposing corner throws in the towel during the 5th RD!
Watch LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus pic.twitter.com/Hej2NKXVKu
— Zuffa_Boxing (@Zuffa_Boxing) April 6, 2026
Fighting in the co-main event, Magsayo did not disappoint as he controlled the bout from the get-go.
The heavy-handed Magsayo found McCrory to be an easy target, peppering him with combinations and big shots. The Irishman barely survived the fourth before the bout was stopped just 21 seconds into the fifth round.
Magsayo improved to 29-2 with 19 knockouts. He’s won five in a row since losing back-to-back title fights to Rey Vargas in July 2022 and Brandon Figueroa eight months later.
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WHAT A WAY TO END ROUND 4 😤
LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus pic.twitter.com/luJtO16muI
— Zuffa_Boxing (@Zuffa_Boxing) April 6, 2026
The 30-year-old Bohol native once reigned as the WBC featherweight champion after edging Gary Russell Jr. by majority decision back in January 2022 before a failed first title defense against Vargas.
Brimming with confidence after putting on a spectacular show, Magsayo feels he’s in his best form. He also let the rest of the lightweight class know about his intentions moving forward.
“I’m the best in my division right now [at] 135. This is my prime, this is my weight, and I’m ready to fight anybody else right now,” Magsayo said.
