Magdaleno brothers see careers going in opposite directions

One's career is rising. The other's is in decline.

The Magdaleno brothers of Las Vegas were hoping they would be world champions at the same time. But while Jessie's future is very much in play toward winning a belt, older brother Diego's future is uncertain.

Jessie, a super bantamweight who is 22-0 with 16 knockouts, fights tonight in Phoenix against Ray Perez (20-7, five KOs) in a 10-round bout as part of Top Rank's card at the Celebrity Theatre. Magdaleno was initially scheduled to fight Edward Mansito of the Philippines, but Mansito encountered visa issues.

Regardless of the opponent, it's a fight Magdaleno needs to win to stay in contention for a title shot this year against World Boxing Organization 122-pound champ Nonito Donaire.

"I'm ready to take the next step," Magdaleno said. "I've totally rededicated myself to my career and focusing on winning a world title."

Magdaleno, 24, is training again with Joel Diaz after parting ways with Ismael Salas, his trainer for his past two fights. He and his fiancee also have separated and are sharing custody of their 2-year-old son.

"Sometimes things in life don't work out the way you want them to," Magdaleno said. "It was probably a distraction at the time trying to focus on my family and also my career.

"I got out of the groove a little bit, but everything is great now. I'm back with a trainer I really trust, and Joel took me back with open arms.

"My power has come back, and my defense is better. I've reset my mind, and I'm hungry again."

Frank Espinoza, who manages the Magdalenos, said he needed to find out if Jessie really wanted to keep fighting.

"I had a sit-down with Jessie last month, and I told him if he's serious about fighting for a world title, he has to dedicate himself in the gym," Espinoza said. "Jessie said he had some distractions, but they were behind him, and he told me he's ready to take that next step."

Reuniting with Diaz and moving back to Indio, California, where Diaz's gym is located, may be proof that Magdaleno is indeed serious. He left Diaz to be closer to his fiancee and son in Las Vegas. Now, Espinoza thinks Diaz can get Magdaleno to the top of the 122-pound division.

"I think he felt more comfortable with Joel," Espinoza said. "But for Jessie, I think it's important that he understands his future is in his hands. It's there for him. But he has to go get it. Nobody hands you a world title."

Diego Magdaleno's future is more complicated. He moved up to lightweight and got a title shot Oct. 10 against WBO champion Terry Flanagan.

But Magdaleno (28-2, 12 KOs) had arguably the worst day of his career. He was sliding all over the canvas and dominated by Flanagan, who scored a second-round technical knockout.

He hasn't fought since, and the 29-year-old was dropped by promoter Top Rank in January.

"I've had the worst few months ever," Diego Magdaleno said Thursday. "But I still have people who believe in me, and I believe I can still fight. I'm not going to let one fight define who I am."

Espinoza said he's standing by Diego Magdaleno, who also lost his other world title fight, against WBO super featherweight champ Rocky Martinez in 2013 in Macau.

"He wants to prove himself," Espinoza said. "But it's going to take three or four fights to get him back in position to where he would even be considered for a title fight.

"It's going to be a work in progress. But I'm going to try and get him back in the ring in the next 90 days."

Top Rank said it was an organization decision to cut ties with Diego Magdaleno. It still promotes Jessie Magdaleno, who hasn't given up on his brother.

"The thing about Diego is he's mentally strong," Jessie Magdaleno said. "He still wants to fight, and he wants to prove to everyone he's not done."

Added Diego Magdaleno: "I'm coming back. It's not in my character to retire off that fight."

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