Mark Magsayo resumes his campaign for a world title against Mexico’s Jorge Mata Cuellar in the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Mario Barrios main event on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.–MARK GIONGCO/INQUIRER.net
LAS VEGAS–Former world champion Mark Magsayo isn’t looking too far ahead as he continues his bid for a world title.
Magsayo is focused on the task at hand as he takes on Mexico’s Jorge Mata Cuellar in a 10-round super featherweight clash in the undercard of Manny Pacquiao’s comeback title fight against WBC welterweight champion on Saturday at MGM Grand.
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A victory guarantees Magsayo a shot at regaining his world champion status, which he lost in July 2022 when Rey Vargas took his WBC featherweight belt by split decision.
But although a title shot is on the horizon, the Tagbilaran City, Bohol native knows he can’t look past his opponent.
“We’re so focused on this fight because this will be a stepping stone to a world title bout,” said Magsayo on Thursday.
The 30-year-old Magsayo (27-2, 18KOs) is confident he can get the job done against Cuellar (21-2-2, 13KOs) but remains smart enough to take a cautious approach.
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“His style fits mine because he doesn’t run. He’s not that aggressive and doesn’t move much. He’s an easy target but even then, we’re not underestimating him because I know he also trained so hard for this fight,” said Magsayo.
“There’s gonna be a knockdown. I’m going to put on a show.”
The 24-year-old Cuellar is making his US debut with all of his previous fights so far in Mexico.
“It’s gonna be an amazing fight. You don’t wanna miss it,” said Mata, who has won his last five bouts.
“I prepared like never before. I’m ready to win.”