Hernandez vs Magsayo Postponed But Expected to Happen in July

Another week, another delay — but this time, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. The Hernandez vs Magsayo WBC-ordered junior lightweight title eliminator between Mexico’s Rocky Hernandez and the Philippines’ Mark Magsayo has once again been postponed. It was supposed to go to a purse bid on April 22, the third scheduled attempt, but it’s been pushed back yet again. Unlike the previous delays, though, this one came with a valid — and widely respected — reason.

Following the death of Pope Francis earlier this week, the World Boxing Council issued a seven-day mourning period. Out of respect, MP Promotions (representing Magsayo) and Matchroom Boxing (Hernandez’s camp) requested that the WBC move the purse bid to April 29. The WBC agreed, and now both sides have a bit more breathing room.

But here’s the good news: behind the scenes, things are finally coming together. According to multiple sources, both camps have been using this time productively. And if talks keep going smoothly, we could see this fight take place in July.

A Big Stage for a Big Fight

If all goes according to plan, the Hernandez-Magsayo clash might land on a major summer card — possibly alongside the rumored return of Manny Pacquiao.

Reports are swirling that Pacquiao is eyeing a comeback fight against Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title, and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) is working to build a blockbuster event around it. Slotting Hernandez-Magsayo as the co-main or featured undercard would add serious value to the show and make it one of the year’s can’t-miss nights for fight fans.

And it’s not just hype — this fight matters. The winner becomes the mandatory challenger for O’Shaquie Foster’s WBC junior lightweight title. Foster has been on a tear, and he’s reportedly eyeing a voluntary defense against Stephen Fulton, the former WBC featherweight champ moving up in weight. But whoever comes out on top between Hernandez and Magsayo will be first in line once that’s over.

Rocky Hernandez: One Round Away

Ask Rocky Hernandez how much boxing can change in a few seconds, and he’ll tell you from experience.

Back in October 2023, the hard-hitting Mexican fighter was on the verge of becoming a world champion. He was ahead on two scorecards in a fight for the vacant WBC title against O’Shaquie Foster. All he had to do was survive the final round — just three minutes — and he’d walk out of Cancun with the belt.

But boxing doesn’t do mercy.

Foster stormed back with two knockdowns in the twelfth and final round, then forced a stunning stoppage with only 22 seconds left. Just like that, Hernandez’s dreams were ripped away. It was a brutal ending to a fight he had nearly in the bag.

Instead of folding, though, Hernandez rebuilt. Since then, he’s rattled off three straight wins, including a dominant 12-round decision over Rene Tellez Giron in February in Canada. Known for his knockout power, Hernandez showed he could box smart, go the distance, and control a fight from start to finish.

Now 37-2 with 32 knockouts, he’s right back in the mix. One more win, and he’s back where he was last fall — knocking on the champion’s door.

Source: Rocky Hernandez-Mark Magsayo purse bid postponed again; fight targeted for July

Mark Magsayo: Rising Again at a New Weight

Mark Magsayo knows what it’s like to be on top — and what it’s like to fall from it just as fast.

The 29-year-old from Tagbilaran City, Philippines made headlines in early 2022 when he upset longtime WBC featherweight champ Gary Russell Jr. It was the kind of win that changes everything — a breakout moment, and his first world title.

But boxing rarely lets you rest. Just six months later, Magsayo lost his belt in a razor-thin decision against Rey Vargas. It was a close, tactical fight, but Vargas edged it on the cards.

Magsayo got one more crack at a title — an interim shot against Brandon Figueroa in March 2023 — but came up short again. That was the end of his time at featherweight.

Since then, though, he’s reinvented himself at 130 pounds. Stronger, faster, and no longer struggling with the scale, Magsayo has looked like a new man. He’s won three in a row at junior lightweight, including a statement-making second-round knockout of Bryan Mercado in December.

Now 26-2 with 17 KOs, he’s looking to crash the party in a new division — and prove that his best days are still ahead of him.

A Clash of Styles — And Stakes

This isn’t just a must-win — it’s a can’t-lose.

For both Hernandez and Magsayo, this fight is a shot at redemption. They’ve each been to the top, each taken a fall, and now they’re climbing back. And with a WBC title shot on the line, neither guy is going to hold back.

Hernandez brings relentless pressure, heavy hands, and a willingness to walk through fire to land his shots. He’s the kind of fighter who thrives in the chaos of close quarters.

Magsayo, by contrast, is slick, sharp, and measured. He moves well, counters with precision, and has just enough pop to make opponents respect his power. At junior lightweight, he’s grown into a more complete fighter.

This isn’t just a power vs. finesse matchup. It’s two veterans, each with something to prove, meeting at a career-defining moment. Whoever wins will earn more than a title shot — they’ll earn respect.

What Comes Next

Assuming all goes smoothly with the rescheduled purse bid on April 29, the fight could be finalized shortly after. Negotiations are reportedly close, and the July timeline looks realistic.

If it lands on the Pacquiao-Barrios card, that’s a huge stage — especially for Magsayo, who came up under Pacquiao’s promotional banner. But even if it’s booked on another PBC show, the stakes remain the same.

The winner will step into the spotlight, mandatory status in hand. The loser will have to start all over again.

For both fighters, this is it. One more big test before another title shot. One more war to prove they belong.

And for fans? It’s one more reason to circle July on the calendar.

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