Gary Russell was defeated by Mark Magsayo, FILIPINO's star boxer. This ended the longest reigning champion in boxing.
Two of the three judges awarded the featherweight star the win to claim the WBC title.
Gary Russell was defeated by Mark Magyaso in Atlantic City on points
Magsayo is being promoted by Manny Pacquiao, a boxing legend and Filipino friend who heaped praises on Magsayo after his win in Atlantic City.
American Russell held the title since March 2015.
It was however, only his sixth defense in that period.
Magsayo stated, "This is my dream ever since I was a child."
"Thanks for your support Filipino fans. "I am now a world champion."
Magsayo was awarded the award by two judges at 115-113 and 114-114 respectively.
Get a PS10 Bonus with 100s of Games to Play and No Deposit RequiredMagsayo has yet to lose with Saturday's win being his 24th, with 16 of those coming via knockout.
In August, he won his title shot by defeating Julio Ceja from Mexico.
Russell, who has not fought more than once in one calendar year since 2014 was able to step into the ring for his first fight since beating Tugstsogt Nambayar from Mongolia in February 2020.
The 33-year old was suffering from a shoulder injury in training, which he claimed influenced the outcome against Magsayo.
He stated that he hit him with some great shots in the third round, and that was why he was hurt.
Pacquiao tweeted his congratulations after the win: @markmagsayo_MMM, congrats on your first World Championship!
"Thanks for being the latest Filipino champion in world boxing.
"Welcome into the club."
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