Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo seeks to impress the hometown crowd while veteran Thai boxer Panya Uthok is looking for a major upset during their 12-round title bout at the Bohol Wisdom School Gymnasium in Tagbilaran City on Saturday.
Panya Uthok (53-6, 35 KOs), dubbed the “Filipino Executioner” for dealing losses to numerous Filipino boxers, minced no words as he vowed to knock Magsayo (19-0, 14 KOs) out if he gets the chance.
“I am ready for you. I will knock you out at your hometown in front of all your fans and supporters,” said Uthok in a prerecorded message played during the press conference of Bohol’s Pride fight card at the Tagbilaran City Hall on Thursday.
Magsayo, meanwhile, kept his cool and promised to give his fans an “entertaining” fight.
“Paninkamutan nako na manindot ang among away,” he said.
The 24-year-old Tagbilaran native however said that he will not be complacent considering Uthok’s ability to knock his opponents out.
“Daghan na ni siya og napatumba, dili sad ta magbasta-basta, di sad ta magkompyansa,” he added.
In 2012, Uthok knocked out AJ Banal, one of the country’s top boxing prospects then, in Pasay City. He also demolished Japanese Ryo Akaho in 2015 to win the vacant WBO world bantamweight title.
Magsayo and Uthok will be fighting for the WBC Asia featherweight title will still be up for grabs during the 12-round bout.
A decisive win against Uthok and earning the title are seen to catapult Magsayo’s promising career to greater heights.