Hard-hitting star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa will face Filipino sensation Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo in a matchup of all-action, high-powered former world champions on Saturday, March 4 live on SHOWTIME from Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif., topping a Premier Boxing Champions event.
The 10-round middleweight co-main event of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, which begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, will also feature the return of former unified world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd, who will fight power-punching Armando Reséndiz. Amilcar Vidal and Elijah Garcia, both young middleweights who have never lost, will fight in a 10-round bout to get the show started.
WHAT TIME IS THE FIGUEROA VS. MAGSAYO FIGHT?
Date: Saturday, March 4
Main card: 1 a.m. GMT / 8 p.m. ET
Main event ringwalks (approx): 4 a.m. GMT / 11 p.m. ET
The fight will take place at the Toyota Arena, Ontario, California.
Showtime will broadcast the fight in the U.S.
The main card is set to get underway at 1 a.m. GMT / 8 p.m. ET with the main event ringwalks scheduled for 4 a.m. GMT / 11 p.m.
According to Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions, “Saturday, March 4 will be headlined by an explosive clash of exciting styles, as Brandon Figueroa and Mark Magsayo are sure to go toe-to-toe to secure their standing in the featherweight division.” Magsayo has the chance to regain his status after losing his title in a close fight the last time they met. Brandon made his featherweight debut in July of that year with a spectacular performance. The stage is set for a thrilling night live on SHOWTIME and at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, with another certified action fighter, Jarrett Hurd, stepping into the ring in the co-main event against the up-and-coming Armando Reséndiz, and hungry young middleweights Amilcar Vidal and Elijah Garcia in the TV opener.
In his 126-pound debut, the 26-year-old Figueroa was dynamic. He was 22-1-1 and had 17 knockouts. He defeated Carlos Castro in the sixth round on SHOWTIME in July 2021. His last fight was in 2021’s Fight of the Year against Stephen Fulton Jr., which some observers believed ended in controversy due to Figueroa’s loss by majority decision. Figueroa, a native of Weslaco, Texas, became the first person to defeat former division champion Luis Nery in their championship match on SHOWTIME prior to the Fulton fight due to his unwavering pressure and youthful enthusiasm. By defeating Nery, Figueroa won the WBC 122-pound world title, joining his brother Omar Figueroa Jr., who had previously held the WBC lightweight world title.
Figueroa stated, “I can’t wait to get back in the ring to do what I love.” Being up against a former featherweight champion like Magsayo gives me a lot of motivation because I want to fight the best. Because neither of us likes to back down, I’m confident that we’ll give the fans a great fight. This is my chance to really show the world what I can do at 126 pounds, and I’m just excited to win and prove it.”
In January 2022, Filipino boxer Magsayo (24-1, 16 KOs) defeated boxing’s then-longest-reigning male world champion Gary Russell Jr. to win the 126-pound title on SHOWTIME. He became the latest champion from the boxing-rich Philippines. On March 4, Magsayo will attempt to get closer to regaining that title after losing to Rey Vargas in a split decision in July despite dropping Vargas in round nine. The 27-year-old won his first shot at the title by knocking out Julio Ceja in the 10th round of a fight in August 2021, when Ceja was trailing on the scorecards. Magsayo, who trains with Freddie Roach in Southern California, has stopped former title challenger Chris Avalos in the sixth round and has won by decision in 12 rounds over Shoto Hayashi and Ramiro Robles.
Magsayo stated, “Figueroa and I both like to move forward, so everyone knows exactly what this will be like.” I want to reclaim my place in this division and provide the fans with the action they love. I’m prepared to deal with anyone they throw at me. I can’t wait to get back in the ring to perform once more because this is a genuine Mexican vs. Filipino matchup.”
In 2018, Hurd, who is 32 years old and is 24-2 with 16 knockouts, won a close decision to win the WBA and IBF 154-pound titles after defeating Erislandy Lara, the longtime champion, in the final round. In one of the best fights of 2019, the native of Accokeek, Maryland, would lose the titles by decision to Julian Williams. In February 2017, Hurd stopped Tony Harrison in the ninth round to become champion for the first time. He then defended the title against Austin Trout, another former champion. Hurd will return to the ring after losing to the difficult veteran Luis Arias in a split decision in June 2021.
Hurd said, “You must have forgotten, but I’m back to remind you what ‘Swift’ Jarrett Hurd is all about.” I want to dominate in this new weight class like I did at 154 pounds. On March 4, I can’t wait to show everyone what I’ve been working on in the gym and showcase my skills. I’m ready to make a big statement of my own, even though I know Reséndiz will make the most of this chance.
In April 2021, Reséndiz (13-1, 9 KOs) made a successful debut in the United States. He started the fight with an eight-fight streak of knockouts before defeating Quilisto Madera by decision. He was born in Nayarit, Mexico, and now fights out of Los Angeles. He is 23 years old. He returned in October to dominate Heber Rondon on his way to a second-round stoppage after dropping a decision to veteran Marcos Hernandez in September 2021.
Reséndiz stated, “I’ve been preparing very hard to take full advantage of the opportunity I have in this fight.” I am supported by a formidable team, and I am confident that they are maximizing my potential. We are all working toward the same goal, and the fans will enjoy a great fight as a result. I will not back down from my fight for the Mexican people.
Vidal, who was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, now fights out of Las Vegas under the direction of top trainer Bob Santos. Vidal is 16-0 with 12 knockouts. The 26-year-old defeated three previously unbeaten fighters in a row between November 2019 and November 2020, including Zach Prieto on SHOBOX, in an impressive streak: Edward Ortiz and Leopoldo Reyna’s The New Generation®. On SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING in July 2021, Vidal won by decision over veteran competitor Immanuwel Aleem. Since then, Vidal has won three more fights, most recently by unanimous decision over Gabriel Omar Diaz.
Vidal stated, “I am very happy to be back on SHOWTIME for my fourth fight in the U.S.” In America, I’ve already defeated two undefeated fighters, and I’m confident that this will be my third victory. I am grateful for this opportunity and my entire team, including my new trainer, Bob Santos. I’m training in Las Vegas, and I can’t wait to show off my punching power.”
Garcia, who is based in Phoenix, Arizona, has a record of 13-0 with 11 knockouts. In December, he won his fourth fight of the year, defeating Cruse Stewart by TKO in the second round, which was broadcast live on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. Since turning pro in 2020, the 19-year-old has made rapid progress, defeating his first six opponents and five of his last six to establish himself as a rising prospect.
Garcia stated, “This fight is going to be a gateway for me.” On a large stage, this is a great matchup, which simply means that there will be more eyes on me. I’m fighting an older, undefeated fighter who has fought more times than I have. I’m only 19 years old. That simply demonstrates my fighting spirit. If I win, a lot of doors will open for me, and soon everyone will know what I can do.
FIGUEROA VS. MAGSAYO FIGHT CARD
Brandon Figueroa vs. Mark Magsayo; Featherweight
Amilcar Vidal vs. Elijah Lorenzo Garcia; Middleweight
Jarrett Hurd vs. Jose Armando Resendiz; Middleweight
Terrell Gausha vs. Brandyn Lynch; Super welterweight
Justin DeLoach vs. Travon Marshall; Welterweight
Enriko Gogokhia vs. Samuel Teah; Super lightweight
Miguel Angel Hernandez vs. Dario Guerrero-Meneses; Middleweight
Albert Gonzalez vs. Joseph Cruz Brown; Featherweight
Daniel Blancas vs. Kynndale Prather; Super middleweight
