WATCH: Rey Vargas DETHRONES Mark Magsayo For WBC Featherweight Title

Written by Jared Parry on 10th July 2022.

Rey Vargas became a two-weight world champion in Texas overnight as he would survive a knockdown to dethrone Mark Magsayo as WBC featherweight champion. This was Magsayo's first defence since defeating Gary Russell Jr. but this was not a successful night this time around.

Vargas's reach was a definitive factor in this fight, as Magsayo would struggle to get on the inside. Magsayo did manage to close the distance on occasions, but that was mainly due to Vargas's willingness to engage in trade off's. 

Magsayo's work was noticeably slowed down by the bodywork of Vargas in the middle rounds, but he found a slight breakthrough as he opened up a cut over the left eye of Vargas in the seventh round, leading to Vargas entering a more defensive style. Magsayo attempted to build on his success as he used force to continue his attack on Vargas.

Vargas was absorbing the Magsayo offence until a heavy right hand sent Vargas to the canvas. Vargas didn't look hurt, but this was an example of how Magsayo was still dangerous. Vargas would hit the canvas yet again in round 10, however, this was controversially ruled a slip.

Vargas used his skills in the final rounds to try and get the decision to swing in his favour. This paid off as the scorecards read 114-113 to Magsayo, but 115-112×2 to Vargas, crowning him the new WBC World featherweight champion.