New WBC featherweight champion Mark Magsayo [pictured], who was a guest on the WBC´s weekly press conference, says his preference is to fight WBA champion Leo Santa Cruz [who hasn't made featherweight in years] next at 126 pounds.  Magsayo who dethroned Gary Russell by majority decision last week, also mentioned former WBO super bantamweight champion Emanuel Navarrete as a possible opponent. Former WBC super bantamweight champion Rey Vargas, who has moved up to featherweight and remains undefeated, is the WBC #1 contender and is keen to get into the ring with Magsayo. 

 

Vargas and his International Boxing Hall of Fame Trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain who were also on the press conference, confirmed they want to challenge Magsayo. Beristain praised Magsayo as a talented and tremendous fighter, and also said that he'd always prefer Vargas to fight against Magsayo, as Russell is a southpaw with a complicated style.  He said Vargas must and will train extra hard in the build-up to the opportunity. For Vargas, the trek to Beristain´s Romanza/Gilberto Roman Gym, is a quite a journey, as he lives a considerable distance away. But together, they´ve already achieved greatness. 

 

Magsayo who's trained by Freddie Roach, said that he`s applied what he`d gained in training camp, utilizing it to defeat Russell. He said that he`d hit Russell. hard on the right shoulder in the fourth round and hurt as well as hampered him. Magsayo is the protege of the Great Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

 

But when asked if he`s the next Pacquiao he firmly responded: "There is NO next Manny. There is only one and only Manny Pacquiao. No one can achieve what he´s achieved or surpass him! He is my hero, and I`m following in his footsteps. I will fight anyone but in my division. I would like to fight Leo Santa and Luis Nery.”  Magsayo also said that the proper nutrition is very important for him, because he´s a big feather. Between fights, he normally walks around at between one hundred and forty and one hundred and forty five pounds in weight. 

 

Vargas says he wants a direct fight against Magsayo, minus a warm up bout. He stressed that he won his super bantam title by going to Yorkshire, England and is more than happy to travel to the United States for the opportunity to take on Magsayo. He stressed the key to winning is ring smarts and intelligence. 

 

Vargas (35-0) made a successful ring comeback in November, after recovering for almost two years out, due to a broken leg.