TAGBILARAN CITY -- Japanese boxer Shota Hayashi, who will be fighting Filipino pride Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo this Saturday, sees the fight going the distance and with no knock-out.
The Magsayo-Hayashi bout will be held at the Bohol Wisdom Gymnasium.
While the Japanese did not directly reveal his strategy, he alluded to his experience as his main advantage and sees no knock-out happening in the 12-round fight.
Hayashi on Tuesday told the media through an interpreter that he is aware of Magsayo’s punching power but his experience would still prevail against the speed and power of the Boholano prizefighter.
The Japanese pugilist is now in the city to prepare for his ring engagement with Magsayo in the main event of Pinoy Pride 43.
When asked if he is worried about the hostile crowd he would be facing on Saturday, he curtly replied he doesn't care.
Magsayo will be the overwhelming favorite come Saturday as he will be fighting for the first time as a professional in front of his province mates.
Yet, Hayashi asked for the support of the Boholano boxing fans as he squares off with the latest boxing sensation.
The 30-year-old Hayashi comes into the ring with an impressive winning roll as he won 14 of his last 15 fights.
The Japanese boxer said he would contemplate on retiring if ever he fails to win against Magsayo.
However, if ever he pulls an upset, he will definitely go for the world title against current Mexican-American World Boxing Organization featherweight champion Oscar Valdez.
Hayashi and Magsayo will face each other for the first time in a press conference on Thursday.
The official weigh-in will be held on Friday at a local mall here in Tagbilaran. (Dave Albarado/PNA)
