Robles (13-5-1, 8 KOs)) is the late replacement for Magsayo’s opponent Ruben Garcia, who suffered injury while on training for the fight.
With the unexpected replacement, Magsayo became the huge favorite to win the fight as Robles has less impressive credentials, having suffered five defeats since turning pro in 2010.
Magsayo’s trainer Edito Villmor cautions Magsayo on the sudden replacement of his opponent — who only has about a week to prepare for the fight.
“Hindi pa rin mag-kumpiyansa sa laban,” (Dont’s get overconfident on the fight) said head trainer Edito Villamor. “Kahit na one-week notice lang, ang mga Mexicans naman kasi all-year round kundisyon ang mga yan.” (Even on one week notice, Mexican boxers are conditioned all year round.)
Magsayo is coming off a TKO win over Mexican-American Chris Avalos of Lancaster, California last April at the Cebu City Sports Complex, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines. It was one of Magsayo’s finest victories as Avalos has a fairly good credential, having fought more than 30 times including fight with Carl Fampton in Ireland last year. He also held the WBO-NABO Bantamweight belt in 2010.
Magsayo is one of the four fighters who fought in the ALA Promotions debut in the US market last year. The four ALA fighters include Donnie Nietes and the Pagara brothers — Jason and Albert and Mark Magsayo.
All of them won impressively against their respective opponents.
Saturday’s ALA (Pinoy Pride 38) card includes Donie Nietes vs. Edgar Sosa, Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo vs. Ramiro Robles and Arthur Villanueva vs. Juan Jimenez.
