FILIPINO star Mark Magsayo beat Gary Russell on points to end boxing’s longest championship reign.
The featherweight star was awarded the win by two of the three judges to claim the WBC title.
Magsayo is promoted by boxing legend – and fellow Filipino – Manny Pacquiao who heaped praise on his man after the win in Atlantic City.
American Russell had held the title since March 2015.
However, it was only his sixth defence in that time.
Speaking after the win, Magsayo said: “This is my dream since I was a kid.
“Thank you for the support from Filipino fans. Now I became a world champion.”
Two judges gave it to Magsayo at 115-113 with the other scoring it 114-114.
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Magsayo is yet to lose, with Saturday’s win his 24th – with 16 coming by way of knockout.
He earned his title shot in August by KOing Mexico’s Julio Ceja.
Russell, who hasn’t fought more than once in a calendar year since 2014, stepped into the ring for the first time since February 2020 when he beat Mongolia’s Tugstsogt Nyambayar.
However, the 33-year-old was carrying a shoulder injury sustained in training which he said impacted the result against Magsayo.
He said: “I hit him with some good shots in the third round and that is why he got hurt.”
Pacquiao tweeted after the win: “Congratulations, @markmagsayo_MMM on your first world championship!
“Thank you for bringing honor to our country by becoming the latest Filipino world boxing champion.
“Welcome to the club.”
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