Magsayo pursues title shot

MANILA, Philippines — Former WBC featherweight champion Mark Magsayo is staying busy while chasing another title, this time in the 130-pound division and he’s ready to take on any of the four reigning belt-holders.

Magsayo, 29, is now based in Los Angeles and itching to return to the throne. He battles Bryan Mercado in Long Beach on Saturday and hopes a decisive win will lead to a crack at WBC’s O’Shaquile Foster, WBA’s Lamont Roach, IBF’s Anthony Cacace or WBO’s Emanuel Navarrete. Magsayo is ranked No. 3 by WBC and WBO, No. 4 by WBA and No. 5 by IBF so he’s in line for a shot at every strap.

“Kahit sino sa mga champions, lalabanan ko anytime,” said Magsayo. “That’s our goal with (MP Promotions head) Sir Sean (Gibbons) and my team.” But first things first. He’s got Mercado to take care of. Mercado, 30, packs a record of 11-6-1, with six KOs. The Ecuadorian southpaw turned pro in 2016, won five in a row and lost only once in his first 12 bouts. Magsayo’s record is 26-2, with 17 KOs. He’s coming off back-to-back wins over Isaac Avelar and Eduardo Ramirez.

Mercado is a late replacement for Magsayo’s original opponent Nicolas Polanco of the Dominican Republic. Polanco was scratched after a medical exam and Mercado was bumped up to face Magsayo in an eight-rounder. Mercado was initially penciled to meet veteran Curmel Moton who withdrew because of weight issues. In Magsayo’s corner for the fight will be coach Marvin Somodio, assistant Brendan Gibbons, cutman Hervi Estrada, conditioning coach Pedro Garcia and Justin Zuniga of the medical team.