Magdaleno perfects solo act for latest bout

From the day he turned pro in 2010, Jessie Magdaleno always has made the walk to the ring with his older brother Diego at his side.

They’ve trained alongside each other in the gym, Diego helping to nurture Jessie, imparting his wisdom as older brothers tend to do.

There’s no question that part of Jessie’s success as a pro super bantamweight — he’s 14-0 with 10 knockouts — can be attributed to Diego’s help and influence.

On Saturday, however, a new chapter in Jessie Magdaleno’s career begins when the 21-year-old Las Vegan and Durango High School graduate climbs through the ropes at the Hard Rock Hotel.

He faces a tough opponent in veteran Henry Maldonado and, for the first time, will come to the ring with Diego relegated to the stands.

Diego Magdaleno’s decision to leave local trainer and manager Pat Barry last month and sign with Frank Espinoza has made him unwelcome at Barry’s Boxing, where Jessie still trains and is under Barry’s tutelage.

“It was a little different at first not having him around the gym,” Jessie Magdaleno said. “But I never let it be a distraction. He has his career, and I have mine. He did what he felt he needed to do, and that’s fine.

“We still do our running together and support each other — same as always.”

Jessie Magdaleno’s contract with Pat and Dawn Barry has 18 months remaining. Like his brother, he remains tied to Top Rank as his promoter.

His eight-round fight with Maldonado is the co-feature to the IBF super flyweight title bout between Juan Carlos Sanchez and Roberto Sosa. It will be part of the live TV coverage on UniMas (Cox Cable 64).

“This is probably my last eight-rounder,” Jessie Magdaleno said. “So I’ve been focusing on my boxing skills and trying to get my defense sharper and throw my combinations better.”

Barry said Jessie Magdaleno might be more focused in the gym since his brother departed.

“We’re able to concentrate more on Jessie now,” Barry said of himself and assistant trainer Augie Sanchez. “I think it’s working out better for everyone.”

Barry said he and his wife met with Jessie Magdaleno shortly after Diego informed them he was leaving.

“We sat down and had a good talk with Jessie,” Barry said. “We asked him, ‘Are you sure you’re comfortable with me and Augie training you?’ and he said, ‘Absolutely,’ and he gave us a big hug. It hasn’t come up since.”

Barry said he expects the 25-year-old Maldonado (16-2, 11 KOs) to test Magdaleno, something few of his opponents have done.

“He’s a tough guy, a hard hitter, but Jessie made weight early, and we had him spar with some bigger guys, and he’s had no problem,” Barry said. “It’s a tough fight but another step up the ladder.”

Jessie Magdaleno said there’s no plans to move up to featherweight anytime soon.

“I like where I am at 122 pounds,” said Magdaleno, who stopped Carlos Fulgencio in the third round on March 16 in his most recent fight. “I’m comfortable, and this is where I want to be.”

Even though Diego Magdaleno won’t be in his brother’s corner, he will be in attendance.

“I wouldn’t miss it,” Diego said. “I’ll always be there for my brother. That will never change.”

The first bell is scheduled for 7 p.m. with the televised portion at 8 p.m.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.