Magsayo remains undefeated with even victory over Hermosillo

Mark Magsayo was undefeated as he prevailed over Mexico’s Rigoberto Hermosillo via a 10-round split decision on Manila time Sunday morning in his first in-ring appearance as a member of Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions.

Magsayo’s powerful punches during the action-packed fight earned him the go-ahead from two of the three judges at the Premier Boxing Champions undercard main event held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles and broadcast on the American cable channel Fox Sports 1.

The 28-year-old Bohol native improved to a perfect 21-0 despite trailing Compubox in numbers.

Hermosillo landed 181 punches compared to 136 for the Filipino and also held an 856-417 lead in punches thrown.

But judge Rudy Barragán surprisingly went 100-90 while Zachary Young scored the fight at 96-94 in favor of Magsayo.

Third judge Lou Moret handed the fight over to Hermosillo at 96-94.

“I’m very happy to get this win,” said Magsayo, who thanked trainer Freddie Roach for helping him prepare for the fight. “Freddie put me in great shape for this fight and I am happy to work with him. Tonight I faced a tough fighter, but I know I am ready to beat anyone in the division.

Magsayo, 28, appeared to have scored a knockdown in the penultimate round with a left hook followed by a series of punches, but referee Jack Reiss missed it as a slip.

“Magsayo is one of the best punchers in our gym. He didn’t let his hands go long enough tonight, ”Roach said. “We just need him to keep throwing more combinations, but he did enough to win the fight tonight and we’re grateful for that.”

Hermosillo, a last-minute replacement after original opponent Jose Harro suddenly retired, fought hand-to-hand with Magsayo for most of the fight, but his performance didn’t stop him from losing for the third time in a row.