Jesse Magdaleno, A Hidden Gem With a Chance to Shine

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With his big brother being sidelined by a hand injury, Jesse Magdaleno (12-0, 9 KO) will be hoping to shine on December 6th in Las Vegas.

Diego Magdaleno has started to make a bit of a name for himself on his way into the Super Featherweight rankings. He’s been on numerous televised cards on Spanish networks, ESPN, and Showtime.

His younger brother, Jesse, is still very early in his development and hasn’t been seen by too many people. But trust me; he’s the one to watch.

Being a Las Vegas native has allowed me the opportunity to watch the middle Magdaleno (there’s a younger brother in the amateurs) at ringside several times. He fights with the same intense, aggressive,  yet technically sound style. Both Jesse and big bro are south paws who love to come forward behind a solid jab and combinations. The main difference between the two is that baby brother packs a punch.

Sure he hasn’t taken any real tests, but I love a fighter that handles business, and that is exactly what Jesse has done. He’s defeated all the unknown fighters he’s faced and looked great doing it. He has 6 first round knockouts in his first 12 fights and 9 overall.

Most of us with a real interest in the sport always try to figure out what it is that makes a fighter a “star.” Some guys seem to unfairly find fans (Chavez, Canelo). Some just win (Ward, Donaire, and Klitschko). Others simply have a style that is fun to watch regardless of their world class caliber (Rios, Maidana, and even Kirkland.) When the latter two can find a way to mold together, you will typically have something special, a true star.

When I think of Jesse Magdaleno, the phrase “star potential” definitely comes to mind.

He is technically sound. His balance is solid. The head movement and overall defense is solid.  He’s not afraid to fight. He comes forward and has the power to end a fight.

While I love watching Diego, most of his fights start fast with lots of action, then turn into a one sided decision that should’ve been stopped 6 rounds sooner, but he didn’t have the power to do it.

The thing that I have not seen from the young prospect is, however, a true challenge. That will come with time. One wonders how he will respond when he does finally encounter a guy as well schooled and as strong and rugged as him. I will be there to see it when it happens.

Jessie Magdaleno, prospect to watch.

 

Jessie Magdaleno vs Jonathan Arellano; December 6, 2012. Look for it on ESPN 2 on Raymundo Beltran vs. Ji-Hoon Kim undercard.