Jessie Magdaleno hopes to lean on his experuence as a former world champion to defeat 27-year-old Brandon Figueroa on May 4th.
The interim WBC featherweight world title fight will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on the Canelo Alvarez-Jaime Munguia Prime Video pay-per-view undercard.
Magdaleno (29-2, 18 KOs) has had a slow last few years - in fact, he has only fought three times since 2020, with his last outing a loss to the current WBA featherweight world champion, Raymond Ford. He spent the last decade with Top Rank Inc. as his lead promoter, but his most recent fight was with Matchroom Boxing and this upcoming bout is promoted by Premier Boxing Champions.
During Magdaleno's relative absence, Figueroa (24-1-1, 18 KOs), who was a prospect during the Las Vegan's title run, Figueroa has emerged as one of the bigger names in the featherweight division - in large part due to his entertaining style.
Magdaleno won a world title in 2016 against future Hall-of-Famer Nonito Donaire, an advantage in experience and quality of opposition he hopes to tap into against Figueroa.
“Of course - I have an edge in experience,” said the former WBO super bantamweight world champion. “I’ve been boxing for a long time and I know Brandon has put in his work as well. I don’t overlook anybody.”
Yet, despite all of his experience, Magdaleno is not looking past Figueroa.
“I know Brandon comes to fight,” reflected Madaleno. “He’s a come-forward fighter who throws a lot of punches. He comes in great shape every time. We watch tapes and we know he’s a good fighter like I am.”
During the build-up to his fight with Nonito Donaire, Magdaleno dawned blonde hair. It is back - something he remarked upon as he looks to turn back time and show the world he has more left.
“Last time I had the blonde hair I became world champion,” reflected Magdaleno. “I’m just ready to get back in here and show everybody what I’m about.”
Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of ‘Inside The Ropes of Boxing’ (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing
