Twenty-three year old junior featherweight, Jessie Magdaleno, was disappointed that his fight with John Mark Apolanario ended up being canceled this past weekend due to his opponent failing a prefight medical exam. Details on the exact nature of what caused the failed exam were never given, not even Magdaleno could say what prompted the cancelation a day before the fight was supposed to happen.
The fight was significant for Magdaleno, who would’ve been the main event of a “Solo Boxeo” card on Unimas. But he has been quickly rescheduled, and his next showcase will be on May 1st—the night before Mayweather-Pacquiao—at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, although the opponent is still unknown.
Needless to say, the stage will be brighter for Magdaleno’s next outing and he told Thaboxingvoice.com’s Anthony “Rod” Rodriguez that it was a satisfying spotlight to make up for his missed opportunity over the weekend.
“It happens; it’s part of boxing,” Magdaleno told Thaboxingvoice’s Rodriguez when asked about the cancelation, as well as the quick rescheduling. “Everything falls into plan. Maybe it wasn’t my night tonight to fight. They put me in another fight for bigger and better things. So, hopefully, May 1st it’ll be a good fight.”
Magdaleno (20-0, 15KOs) was one of boxing’s hottest young prospects in 2013—scoring four stoppages in as many outings that year. However, an injury slowed him down a bit last year, only competing twice in all of 2014. Still, Magdaleno possesses a tremendous set of abilities, not to mention a very exciting, fan-friendly style.
With all eyes focused on boxing the week of Mayweather-Pacquiao, it will be beneficial to be in action that week, and every fighter competing will try to siphon some of the spotlight.
Magdaleno is aware of the added eyes that will be on him just by association to the Mayweather-Pacquiao mega fight, and he is prepared to take advantage by doing the things that have gotten him to this point.
“It’s a great thing for boxing because everybody can see the new up and coming talent ready for their exposure. It’s great for me because it’s a big weekend, and I get to enjoy the [Mayweather-Pacquiao] fight.
“I got to train hard and keep putting myself on that high caliber like I have been doing, and that’s what I’m going to do May 1st and we’re going to keep it that way.”
Magdaleno, who is represented by the very capable Frank Espinoza, says that he has had some preliminary discussions regarding his 2015 plans and how he hopes a title shot is soon forthcoming.
Jessie is the younger brother of lightweight contender Diego Magdaleno, who will be in action this weekend on the undercard of Crawford-Dulorme. Diego is trained by Joel Diaz, who used to train both of the brothers before Jessie opted for the tutelage of Ismael Salas. Jessie says the split with Diaz was nothing personal and more about being closer to his family in Las Vegas, where he resides.
“Nothing bad happened. There was no fallout, it’s just that I had stuff going on back in Vegas, I had my family out there and everything. That’s where I feel comfortable; I needed to be back at home and not out there. Me and Joel we still talk, it was just my choice.”
