Filipino fighter Eumir Marcial celebrates after his knockout win against Bernard Joseph of the United States, July 19, 2025 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Photo courtesy of Jhay Oh Otamias
MANILA -- Two Filipino boxers scored victories in the undercard of Manny Pacquiao's highly-anticipated comeback fight against Mario Barrios, Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Eumir Marcial, a bronze medalist in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, made a dominant comeback to the pro ranks after knocking out Bernard Joseph of the United States in the third round of their middleweight bout.
The end came at the 1:55 mark of the third round, after a right hook and a series of combinations sent Joseph to the canvas. Marcial had already dropped the American in the second round.
This was Marcial's first professional bout since an ill-fated campaign in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he failed to reach the podium.
He improved his pro record to 6-0, with four knockouts.
Action between Mark Magsayo and Jorge Mata in their fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 19, 2025. Esther Lin, PBC
Meanwhile, former WBC featherweight champion Mark Magsayo continued his track back to title contention after beating Mexico's Jorge Mata Cuellar via unanimous decision.
Now fighting as a super featherweight, Magsayo got the nod of all three judges, 100-90, 100-90, 98-92, to improve to 28-2 in his career.
Though in control for most of the bout, Magsayo was unable to finish off his opponent as Cuellar showed a great chin despite absorbing a flurry of punches from the Filipino.
Nonetheless, it was still a fourth win in a row for Magsayo who is now hoping to get a shot at a world championship.