Magdaleno set for first bout as titleholder
After spending the past four years trying to win a title, Diego Magdaleno isn't about to squander his hard work with one bad night.
The undefeated Las Vegan makes the first defense of his NABF super featherweight title tonight against Gilberto Sanchez Leon in the 10-round main event of an ESPN2-televised card at Mandalay Bay's South Pacific Ballroom.
"I don't want to have any slippage at this point," said the 24-year-old Magdaleno (18-0, six knockouts). "I'm trying to position myself for a world title fight, and there's more at stake now."
Although he hasn't fought since defeating Marcos Jimenez on Jan. 22 at Texas Station to win the NABF belt, Magdaleno said he expects to be sharp.
"I didn't take any time off," he said. "I've been in the gym training the whole time, so I expect a good performance from myself."
His trainer, Pat Barry, said there's nothing that Magdaleno needs to change for Sanchez Leon (29-9-2, 11 KOs).
"The biggest thing for Diego is to stay focused," Barry said. "Diego's turned into a pretty good power body puncher. He's been sitting down on his punches real good, so we want to see him continue to do that."
His 19-year-old brother, Jesse Magdaleno (3-0, two KOs), is also on the card, meeting Jonathan Alcantara (4-3-2) in a six-round featherweight bout.
"I'm ready to go longer," Jesse Magdaleno said of his first pro fight beyond four rounds. "I've been sparring 10 rounds, so I'm prepared to go the distance. It's just two more rounds."
Also scheduled to appear on the card are former Notre Dame light heavyweight Mike Lee, looking to improve to 5-0 as he faces Gilbert Gastelum in a four-round bout; Las Vegas super lightweight Anthony Lenk, who meets Martin Vierra in a six-round bout; and veteran featherweight Bernabe Concepcion, who takes on Juan Carlos Martinez in the eight-round co-main event.
The first bell for the card is at 5 p.m.
Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.
