Magsayo set for Pinoy Pride: 43

Pinoy Pride 43: Battle for Bohol poster

Mark Magsayo wishes to have a successful homecoming tonight, as he defends his WBO International Featherweight title tonight in the main event of Pinoy Pride 43: Battle for Bohol.

Toting a 17-0 win-loss record, thirteen of which came via knockout, the man called "Magnifico" will be facing Shota Hayashi and his 30-6-1 record. A win for the Japanese challenger would definitely raise his profile and move him up the rankings, while a win for the champion could potentially find him getting a title shot against Oscar Valdez, considered as among the most complete fighters in the division.

Both Anton Roxas and Atty. Ed Tolentino believe that Magsayo has what it takes to put Hayashi down and successfully defend this title, while also adding that this is going to be a very explosive fight and a straight-up brawl that Filipino fight fans would appreciate.

According to Tolentino, "Magsayo reminds me of a young Pacquiao, as he brings two things to the ring: charm and harm. He has a nice story, but when he's in the ring, the kid throws punches with bad intentions. He brings in brutal raw power." He adds that Hayashi's style is a tailor-fit for Magsayo, as he prefers his opponents to come within his punching range.

Roxas believes that even with Hayashi having logged more fights, the fighter has yet to fight outside his native country, which could potentially make it hard for him to nullify Magsayo's homefield advantage. He also affirms his belief that he should eventually face Valdez, acknowledging that Magsayo's punching power would give him a chance against the Mexican champion. Tolentino also shares that Magsayo could also help avenge Genesis Servania's loss against him in the process.

Even Magsayo knows what looms ahead, shares "I really want Valdez. If I beat Hayashi, I'm going to get that title fight. I'm coming for it." He also is looking forward to fighting in front of his home crowd. "This has been a long-time dream for me, to be able to fight in front of them and make them proud that I am from Tagbilaran."

Set at the Bohol Wisdom Gymnasium in Tagbilaran City, fans can watch Pinoy Pride 43 LIVE starting at 6pm on SKY Sports Pay-Per-View. One can call their local SKY office or dial 418-0000 for further details, or visit www.mysky.com.ph/boxingppv. SKYCable subscribers can also text BoxingPPV to 23662. SKYDirect postpaid subscribers can also text SKY to 23668, while prepaid subscribers can text PPV[space]BOXING[space][BOX ID] to 23667. SKYBroadband subscribers can watch it through SKY on Demand.

Those who prefer to watch it on free tv can do so tomorrow on ABS-CBN Channel 2 at 330pm or on S+A and S+A HD starting at 630pm.

Pinoy Pride 42 replay sked this week

El Metodico retains title

For those who missed out on Pinoy Pride 42: Clash for Glory, ABS-CBN Sports has scheduled two replays of the ALA Boxing event in the next couple of days on S+A.

Pinoy boxing fans can watch how Milan "El Metodico" Melindo successfully defended his IBF Light Flyweight title not only on September 21 at 12nn, but also on September 22 immediately after the NCAA collegiate tripleheader.

More accustomed to being a counterpuncher, Melindo opted to be a more aggressive fighter against Hekkie Budler, on his way to securing a split-decision victory over the current IBO Light Flyweight champion, raising his record to 37-2 with 13 wins coming by way of KO.

During the fight, he had to deal with cuts from accidental headbutts, which eventually led to blood streaming down from his busted eyebrows. Melindo shared post-fight that "He thought I can't see his punch because of the blood coming out of my eyes. It's lucky that I was still able to hit him, and I credit the crowd for cheering me on, it helped me a lot. I was hurt in the fight but my heart kept telling me that I have to win."

Despite the blood streaming from his busted eyebrows, Milan “El Metodico” Melindo did not let his fellow Filipinos, who came in droves, go home sad as he scored a critical knockdown against challenger Hekkie “The Hexecutioner” Budler en route to a split decision win in his first title defense last Saturday (September 16) in “Pinoy Pride 42: Clash for Glory.”

Also from Pinoy Pride 42,  Jonas Sultan outpointed John Reil Casimero in the biggest fight of his young career, potentially earning him a title shot against the reigning IBF Super Flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas, while Kevin Jake Cataraja defeated Wiljan Ugbaniel via a second round knockout.

Meanwhile, Jason Pagara's quest for a world title was derailed by a draw against James Onyango of Kenya.

Fight fans also can get a glimpse of MMA action with the ONE Championship highlights show that S+A airs every night at around 1030pm. The latest MMA event ONE Championship hosted, ONE: Total Victory, saw victories by Roy Doliguez and Ramon Gonzales, while Geje Eustaquio suffered a narrow defeat in the main event to former ONE Flyweight world champion Kairat Akhmetov.