Mark Magsayo on Gary Russell Jr: "I knew that he was hurt in round four. I took advantage of it because he was only using one hand. This was my opportunity to follow through"
Sunday 23 January 2022 15:40, UK
Gary Russell Jr was defeated by Mark Magsayo on Saturday night, ending men's boxing's longest active world championship reign.
Magsayo won by majority decision to capture the WBC featherweight title in New Jersey.
Russell Jr had been the champion for seven years but this was just his sixth fight since claiming the belt.
He clearly hurt his right shoulder while throwing a punch in the fourth round and was seriously compromised for the rest of the fight.
"I believe I have a torn tendon in my right shoulder," said Russell Jr. "I haven't competed in almost two years. This is what true champions do. I wanted to step into the ring and display my superiority regardless of the injury.
"I hurt the shoulder about two weeks ago. But I went through with the fight because I'm a true champion and this is what warriors do."
Manny Pacquiao's protégé Magsayo said: "I knew that he was hurt in round four.
"I took advantage of it because he was only using one hand. This was my opportunity to follow through.
"My coach was telling me to use good combinations and follow through. He said this is your chance to become a champion and now I am a champion."
Sunday January 30 in Tulsa
Robson Conceicao vs Xavier Martinez - WBC super-featherweight title eliminator
Nico Ali Walsh
Saturday February 5 in Cardiff
Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Williams
Claressa Shields vs Ema Kozin - IBF, WBA and WBC middleweight titles
Saturday February 19 in Manchester
Amir Khan vs Kell Brook
Frazer Clarke's pro debut
Saturday February 26 in Glasgow
Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall - undisputed super-lightweight titles
Nick Campbell vs Jay McFarlane - Scottish heavyweight title
Saturday March 5 in Fresno
Jose Ramirez vs Jose Pedraza
Sunday March 20 in New York
Edgar Berlanga vs Steve Rolls
Keyshawn Davis
Xander Zayas
