New Faces: Jesse Magdaleno

New Faces: Jesse Magdaleno

Vital Statistics:

Age: 20
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nev.
Weight class: Junior Featherweight
Height / reach: 5-4 (162.56 cm) / 66 inches (167.64 cm)
Amateur record: 130-18 (reported)
Turned pro: November 6, 2010
Pro record: 10-0, 7 knockouts

Manager: Pat Barry
Trainer: Pat Barry/Augie Sanchez
Promoter: Top Rank

Best night of pro career: His last fight, a one-round destruction of Carlos Varcarcel. Varcarcel, once-beaten heading into the bout, was expected to at least give Magdaleno rounds, the most experienced opponent of his career. Magdaleno blitzed Varcarcel and dropped him, before a flurry forced referee Tony Weeks to halt the bout at 2:25 of the opening round.

Worst night of pro career: In his fifth pro bout, Magdaleno defeated Esteban Nichol by unanimous decision in a six round fight. He dropped Nichol in the fifth and six rounds, but he could have been disqualified. After he dropped Nichol in the fifth, he hit his opponent while he was down and was deducted a point. Had Nichol not been able to continue, the bout would have resulted in a disqualification loss for Magdaleno.

Next fight: Magdaleno makes his second appearance on ESPN 2’s Friday Night Fights on Aug. 3 against Aldimar Silva Santos (17-2-1, 9 knockouts) at Texas Station Casino in Madaleno’s backyard of Las Vegas. The bout is the co-feature on the telecast and if it goes the distance, it will be the first time he’s been eight rounds. The 31-year-old Brazilian has fought mostly limited opposition.

Why he’s a prospect: Magdaleno has an excellent amateur pedigree, the 2009 U.S. National Champion at 119 pounds as well as the 2009 National Golden Gloves Champion at the same weight. He was a favorite to make the U.S. Olympic team that is in London, but decided to forego the trials and turn pro. He’s a southpaw who can do damage with either hand and has good movement. He’s known for having an excellent work ethic. Magdaleno has an aggressive style, a contrast to his older brother Diego who is more crafty. He’s shown good ring generalship for a young fighter and “his defense is obvious to the public” said his trainer Pat Barry. A boxer-puncher, Magdaleno said “I’m a brawler and a fighter, I do like to go toe-to-toe, but I do like to box just like my brother [Diego] can.” He likes to pressure, making for entertaining fights.

Why he’s a suspect: With only 10 bouts against limited opposition on his ledger, it’s too soon to see any discernible flaws.

Story lines: Magdaleno is a southpaw but is naturally right-handed. He broke his hand in the fourth grade and can now write with both hands, making him a two-fisted puncher. One of six, his older brother (by five years), Diego is ranked at No. 5 by THE RING at junior lightweight. His younger brother, Marco, is coming up through the amateur ranks. His father was a professional soccer player and Jesse played soccer growing up as well. He started boxing at seven-years-old and knew he had a future in boxing after winning his first tournament at age 13. He and Diego are inseparable and he says he’s followed in his brother’s footsteps, learning much from him. After 15-17 pro bouts, “he will be a mainstay” said Barry. Barry trains the Magdaleno brothers along with his son-in-law and former world champion Augie Sanchez. His goal is to be champion simultaneous with his brother Diego. “We’re going to be legendary,” said Magdaleno. “We will make a statement in boxing.” Top Rank matchmaker Bruce Trampler said “Jesse has a chance to be a special fighter in years to come.”

Fight-by-fight record:

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