Gary Russell Jr. Explained

Gary Russell Jr.
Weight:Featherweight
Height:5 ft 4+1/2 in[1]
Reach:64 in
Birth Date:5 June 1988
Birth Place:Washington, D.C., U.S.[2]
Style:Southpaw
Boxrec:479775
Total:33
Wins:31
Ko:18
Losses:2

Gary Allen Russell Jr. (born June 5, 1988) is an American professional boxer who held the WBC featherweight title from 2015 to 2022.[3]

As an amateur boxer, Russell won a bantamweight bronze medal at the 2005 World Championships.[4] In 2011, he was named Prospect of the Year by The Ring,[5] Sports Illustrated,[6] and ESPN.[7] He is the older brother of boxers Gary Antonio Russell and Gary Antuanne Russell, who compete at bantamweight and light welterweight, respectively.

Amateur career and Olympics

Russell's quest for a medal ended prematurely as he missed the Olympic weigh-in hours after losing consciousness in his Olympic Village dorm room.[8] Gary ended his amateur career with a record of 163-10.

Professional career

Early career

Russell Jr. made his professional debut against Antonio Reyes on January 16, 2009. He amassed a 24–0 record during the next five years, with fourteen of those fights coming by way of stoppage.[9]

On March 20, 2014, the WBO ordered Russell Jr. to face Vasiliy Lomachenko for the vacant featherweight title.[10] As the two sides were unable to come to terms regarding the fight, a purse bid was called, which Golden Boy won with a bid of $1,052,500, while Top Rank bid $1,050,000.[11] The fight took place on 21 June at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. Lomachenko defeated Russell Jr. via twelve-round majority decision to win the vacant WBO featherweight title. Judge Lisa Giampa scored the fight a 114–114 draw, but judges Max DeLuca and Pat Russell scored the fight 116–112 in favour of Lomachenko.[12] The fight averaged 578,000 viewers.[13]

WBC featherweight champion

Russell Jr. vs. González

On January 15, 2015, rumors surfaced that the reigning WBC featherweight champion Jhonny González would make his third title defense against Russell Jr.[14] The title bout was officially announced as the event headliner of a Top Rank card held on March 28, 2015, at the Pearl Concert Theater in Paradise, Nevada. It was broadcast by Showtime domestically in the United States and by Mexico Televisa in Mexico.[15] Russell Jr. entered the second title bout of his career as a slight favorite, with most odds-makers having him as a -175 to -190 betting favorite.[16] He won the fight by a fourth-round technical knockout. Russell Jr. knocked González down twice in the third round, both times with a counter left. He once again knocked González down early on in the fourth round, before forcing referee Tony Weeks to stop the fight with a flurry of unanswered punches. Russell Jr. out-landed his opponent 59 to 14 in total punches, with a higher percentage of accurate shots.[17] He expressed his desire to face Lomachenko in a rematch during the post-fight interview, stating: "I’m back in the gym on Monday, we’re definitely looking to get Lomachenko again".[18]

Russell Jr. vs. Hyland

Russell Jr. was tentatively scheduled to face mandatory title challenger Óscar Escandón in his first title defense, sometime in November 2015.[19] He was later forced to withdraw, due to injuries suffering in training. Russell Jr. was rescheduled to face Patrick Hyland in his first title defense on April 16, 2016, thirteen months after winning the belt. The title bout was booked as the event headliner of a card that took place at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Montville, Connecticut, and was broadcast by Showtime in United States and Canal Space in Latin America.[20] Russell Jr. entered the bout as an overwhelming -5000 favorite to retain the belt, while Hyland was a +2000 underdog.[21] He justified his role as the betting favorite, winning the fight by a second-round knockout. Hyland was knocked down three times by the 1:33 minute mark of the second round, prompting referee Danny Schiavone to wave the fight off.[22]

Russell Jr. vs. Escandón

Russell Jr. was expected to make his second WBC title defense against the interim featherweight champion Óscar Escandón on February 18 at the U.S Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio.[23] Escandón withdrew from the bout on March 1, after suffering a back injury.[24] Although the fight was initially postponed for April of the same year, Escandón's need for additional recovery time pushed back the fight date until May 27. The venue was likewise changed to the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.[25] Russell Jr. once again entered a title defense as the favorite to retain, but a smaller once compared to his previous fight, with most odds-makers having him a -1400 favorite.[26] [27] In front of a crow of 2345 people, Russell Jr. retained the featherweight strap by a seventh-round technical knockout. Russell Jr. dominated the bout from the start, with his most dominant round being the third, in which he dropped Escandón with a right uppercut and which one of the judges scored as a 10–7. He finally stopped Escandón with a right hook to the temple at the 0:59 minute mark of the seventh round, which left him unable to continue fighting.[28] Russell Jr.'s second title defense averaged 481 000 viewers on Showtime, and peaked at 517 000.[29]

Russell Jr. vs. Diaz

On March 13, 2018, the WBC ordered Russell Jr. to make his third title defense against the #1 ranked featherweight contender and mandatory title challenger Joseph Diaz. The pair was given a thirty day negotiation period before a purse bid would be held.[30] The two camps came to a verbal agreement regarding the terms of the fight on April 6.[31] The fight was officially announced on April 10. It was booked to headline the May 19 Showtime card, which took place at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.[32] Russell Jr. justified his role as the betting favorite,[33] winning the fight by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 117–111 in his favor. Despite retaining the title by a convincing decision, Russell Jr. was unhappy with his performance, saying: "I was disappointed in my performance because I wasn't planning on going the distance, I hurt the right hand, but I still had to use it because he could not get past my jab".[34]

Russell Jr. vs. Martínez

In March 2019, rumors surfaced that Russell Jr. would face the former IBF super-bantamweight champion Kiko Martínez in his fourth title defense.[35] The title bout was officially announced on April 20, 2019. Russell Jr. was booked to face Martínez, at the time the #3 ranked WBC featherweight contender, on May 18, 2019, on the undercard of the Deontay Wilder and Dominic Breazeale WBC heavyweight title clash.[36] During a pre-fight interview, Russell Jr. claimed that he tried to arrange a title unification bout with either Carl Frampton or Leo Santa Cruz, which failed to pan out. He voiced his frustration in the same interview, stating: "After this Kiko Martinez fight, if I don’t immediately get Leo Santa Cruz then I am vacating my title and I will be moving up to challenge Miguel Berchelt for his WBC title".[37] Russell Jr. beat Martínez by a fifth-round technical knockout by doctor stoppage, due to a cut above Martínez's left eye. He was leading on all three of the judges' scorecards at the time of the stoppage, and had out-landed Martínez 100 to 40 over the course of the five rounds.[38]

Russell Jr. vs. Nyambayar

On October 23, 2019, at the WBC’s 57th annual convention, Russell Jr. was ordered to make his fifth WBC title defense against the #1 ranked mandatory title challenger Tugstsogt Nyambayar.[39] The fight was booked as the event headliner of a February 8, 2020, Showtime card that took place at the PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania.[40] Just as in all of his title fights, Russell Jr. was seen as the favorite to retain.[41] He won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 118–110, 117–111 and 116–112.[42]

Russell Jr. vs. Magsayo

On March 8, 2021, the WBC announced that Russell Jr. had come to terms for a mandatory title defense against the former WBC super bantamweight champion, and #1 ranked featherweight contender, Rey Vargas.[43] Vargas was later forced to withdraw from the fight, as he suffered a leg fracture.[44] On September 21, 2021, the WBC instead ordered Russell Jr. to make his sixth title defense against the #2 ranked featherweight contender and mandatory title challenger Mark Magsayo.[45] The title bout was scheduled as the main event of a Showtime broadcast card, which took place at the Borgata in Atlantic City, New Jersey on January 22, 2022.[46] Russell Jr. had trouble making weight on the first weigh-in, coming in at 126.5 pounds (.5 over the championship limit), although he was able to successfully make weight on the second weigh-in an hour later.[47] He nonetheless entered the bout as the favorite to retain, with most odds-makers having him a -380 favorite.[48] Russell Jr. lost the title by majority decision. Two judges scored the fight 115–113 for Magsayo, while the third judge scored the fight as an even 114–114 draw. Russell Jr. threw far fewer strikes compared to his previous fights, and was out-landed 150 to 69 in total punches and 140 to 58 in power punches. He blamed an undisclosed right arm injury for his decreased volume, saying "I refused to put this fight back, and I fought with one arm".[49]

Professional boxing record

ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
33Loss31–2Mark MagsayoMD12Jan 22, 2022
32Win31–1Tugstsogt NyambayarUD12Feb 8, 2020
31Win30–1Kiko MartínezTKO5 (12), May 18, 2019
30Win29–1Joseph DiazUD12May 19, 2018
29Win28–1Óscar EscandónTKO7 (12), May 20, 2017
28Win27–1Patrick HylandKO2 (12), Apr 16, 2016
27Win26–1Jhonny GonzálezTKO4 (12), Mar 28, 2015
26Win25–1Christopher Martin PeñaUD10Dec 20, 2014
25Loss24–1Vasiliy Lomachenko12Jun 21, 2014
24Win24–0Miguel TamayoKO4 (8), Jan 30, 2014
23Win23–0Juan RuizUD10Aug 9, 2013
22Win22–0Vyacheslav GusevUD10Mar 2, 2013
21Win21–0Roberto CastanedaKO3 (10), Nov 9, 2012
20Win20–0Christopher PérezTKO3 (10), Jun 30, 2012
19Win19–0Heriberto RuizKO1 (10), Nov 26, 2011
18Win18–0Leonilo MirandaUD8Sep 3, 2011
17Win17–0Eric EstradaUD8Jul 23, 2011
16Win16–0Antonio MezaKO4 (8), Jun 17, 2011
15Win15–0Adolfo LanderosUD6Apr 15, 2011
14Win14–0Feider Viloria7 (8), Jan 28, 2011
13Win13–0Guadalupe de LeonUD6Oct 28, 2010
12Win12–0Willie VillanuevaKO1 (6), Sep 25, 2010
11Win11–0Mauricio PastranaTKO1 (6), Jul 22, 2010
10Win10–0Rodrigo ArandaKO2 (6), Jun 24, 2010
9Win9–0Carlos DiazKO1 (6), Apr 16, 2010
8Win8–0Jairo Delgado1 (6), Feb 19, 2010
7Win7–0David Orosco CanoTKO1 (4), Jan 30, 2010
6Win6–0Rodrigo RomeroTKO3 (4), Dec 18, 2009
5Win5–0Noe Lopez Jr.UD4Oct 23, 2009
4Win4–0Jason JonesTKO1 (4), Aug 7, 2009
3Win3–0Alvaro MuroUD4May 1, 2009
2Win2–0John Wampash4Feb 14, 2009
1Win1–0Antonio Reyes3 (4), Jan 16, 2009

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Premier Boxing Champions tale of the tape prior to the Kiko Martínez fight.
  2. Web site: BoxRec: Gary Allen Russell Jr. 2020-07-16. boxrec.com.
  3. Web site: Boxing World Champions - Full List Across All Weight Divisions. 2021-05-28. Box.Live. en-US.
  4. Web site: Boxing Prospect Spotlight: Gary Russell Jr. 30 August 2011.
  5. Readers vote Gary Russell Jr. the Prospect of the Year for 2011. Doug Fischer. December 28, 2011. The Ring. January 21, 2012. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120122071425/http://ringtv.craveonline.com/blog/170885-readers-vote-gary-russell-jr-the-qprospect-of-the-yearq-for-2011. January 22, 2012.
  6. Prospect of the Year - Gary Russell Jr. - SI.com's 2011 Boxing Awards. Chris Mannix. December 19, 2011. Sports Illustrated. January 19, 2012.
  7. Web site: 2011 ESPN.com prospect of the year Gary Russell Jr.. Dan Rafael. December 27, 2011. ESPN. January 21, 2012.
  8. News: U.S. boxer Russell collapses, out of Olympics - 2008 Olympics - SI.com . CNN . August 8, 2008.
  9. Web site: Satterfield . Lem . Gary Russell Jr. stops Miguel Tamayo in Round 4 . ringtv.com . 18 January 2022 . 30 January 2014.
  10. News: WBO orders Gary Russell Jr.-Vasyl Lomachenko for vacant title - The Ring. 2014-03-20. The Ring. 2017-09-10. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20170911025413/https://www.ringtv.com/327117-wbo/. 2017-09-11. live.
  11. Web site: Lomachenko-Russell: Golden Boy Wins The Purse Bid. BoxingScene.com. 18 April 2014 . en-us. 2019-04-15.
  12. Web site: Photo: Lomachenko vs. Russell Official Scorecards. BoxingScene.com. 22 June 2014 . en-us. 2019-04-15.
  13. Web site: SHO 6/21 Triple: Incredible Action, Respectable Ratings. BoxingScene.com. 24 June 2014 . en-us. 2019-04-15.
  14. Web site: Siglo de Torreón . Johnny González, cerca de pelear ante Gary Rusell . elsiglodetorreon.com.mx . 18 January 2022 . 14 January 2015.
  15. Web site: Fischer . Doug . Gary Russell Jr. says he'll get it right against Jhonny Gonzalez . ringtv.com . 18 January 2022 . 25 March 2015.
  16. Web site: Jhonny Gonzalez vs Gary Russell Jr Betting Odds . sportsbookreview.com . 18 January 2022.
  17. Web site: Campbell . Brian . Russell Jr. takes featherweight title . . 18 January 2022 . 29 March 2015.
  18. Web site: Fischer . Doug . Gary Russell Jr. stops Jhonny Gonzalez in four, wins WBC featherweight title . ringtv.com . 18 January 2022 . 28 March 2015.
  19. Web site: Jones . Paul . OPEN MIC: Gary Russell Jr. Ready for Escandón, Warns: "Before My Career is Over, (Lomachenko)'s Got to See Me" . boxing247.com . 18 January 2022 . 30 October 2015.
  20. Web site: Rafael . Dan . Fully healed, Gary Russell Jr. focused on title defense . . 18 January 2022 . 15 April 2016.
  21. News: Palmer . Ian . Gary Russell Jr. vs Patrick Hyland Betting Odds and Prediction . Sports Bet Listings | Your Ultimate Sports Betting Resource . 18 January 2022 . 14 April 2016.
  22. Web site: Crellin . Mark . Gary Russell Jr. enjoyed a one-sided win over Patrick Hyland . skysports.com . 18 January 2022 . 17 April 2016.
  23. Web site: Gary Russell Jr. defends against Oscar Escandon on Feb.18 . boxingnews24.com . 18 January 2022 . 5 January 2017.
  24. Web site: Stumberg . Patrick L. . Oscar Escandon injured, March 11th Showtime doubleheader postponed . badlefthook.com . 18 January 2022 . 1 March 2017.
  25. Web site: Stumberg . Patrick . Gary Russell Jr. vs. Oscar Escandon officially rebooked for May 27th . badlefthook.com . 18 January 2022 . 9 March 2017.
  26. Web site: Mazique . Brian . Gary Russell Jr. Vs. Oscar Escandon: Forbes' Boxing Experts Predictions . forbes.com . 18 January 2022 . 19 May 2017.
  27. Web site: Coffeen . Fraser . Breakdown: Gary Russell Jr. vs. Oscar Escandon fight preview and prediction . bloodyelbow.com . 18 January 2022 . 17 May 2017.
  28. Web site: Rafael . Dan . Gary Russell Jr. stops Oscar Escandon in 7th round, retains title . . 18 January 2022 . 21 May 2017.
  29. Web site: Toro . Carlos . Gary Russell Jr. vs. Oscar Escandon Averages Less Than 500,000 Viewers . fightful.com . 18 January 2022 . 26 May 2017.
  30. Web site: Rock . Jay . BOXING: WBC orders Gary Russell Jr. vs. Joseph Diaz Jr. . mmaindia.com . 18 January 2022 . 14 March 2018.
  31. Web site: Coppinger . Mike . Gary Russell Jr., Joseph Diaz Jr. agree to deal for featherweight title fight . ringtv.com . 18 January 2022 . 6 April 2018.
  32. Web site: Coppinger . Mike . Gary Russell Jr. vs. Joseph Diaz Jr. title tilt headed to May 19 on Showtime . ringtv.com . 18 January 2022 . 10 April 2018.
  33. Web site: Mazique . Brian . Gary Russell Jr. Vs. Joseph Diaz Jr.: Odds, Preview And Prediction . forbes.com . 18 January 2022 . 18 May 2018.
  34. Web site: Rafael . Dan . Gary Russell Jr. dominates Joseph Diaz Jr. to retain featherweight belt . . 18 January 2022 . 20 May 2018.
  35. Web site: Fletcher . Jerrell . Gary Russell Jr. vs Kiko Martinez Possible April 27 . 3kingsboxing.com . 18 January 2022 . 19 March 2019.
  36. Web site: Bernath . Clive . Gary Russell Jr. To defend WBC Title Against Kiko Martinez . maxboxing.com . 18 January 2022 . 20 April 2019.
  37. Web site: Themistode . Hans . Gary Russell Jr. Discusses Showdown With Kiko Martinez And Future Fights . boxinginsider.com . 18 January 2022 . 17 May 2019.
  38. Web site: Rafael . Dan . Gary Russell Jr. stops Kiko Martinez, calls out Leo Santa Cruz . . 18 January 2022 . 19 May 2019.
  39. Web site: BoxingScene Staff . Gary Russell vs. Tugstsogt Nyambayar Ordered By WBC . boxingscene.com . 18 January 2022 . 23 October 2019.
  40. Web site: Wainwright . Anson . Gary Russell Jr.-Tugstsogt Nyambayar set for February 8 in Allentown . ringtv.com . 18 January 2022 . 7 January 2020.
  41. Web site: Katzowitz . Josh . Gary Russell Jr. Vs 'King Tug' Tugstsogt Nyambayar Odds, Records, Prediction: Boxing Biz . forbes.com . 18 January 2022 . 7 February 2020.
  42. Web site: Rafael . Dan . Despite layoff, Gary Russell Jr. easily defeats Tugstsogt Nyambayar . . 18 January 2022 . 9 February 2020.
  43. Web site: Stumberg . Patrick L. . Gary Russell Jr and Rey Vargas come to terms for mandatory title defense . badlefthook.com . 18 January 2022 . 9 March 2021.
  44. Web site: Rafael . Dan . Vargas promises to pick up where he left off and wants Gary Russell . ringtv.com . 18 January 2022 . 5 November 2021.
  45. Web site: Luarca . Roy . WBC orders Donaire to face Gaballo, Russell to stake belt vs Magsayo . rappler.com . 18 January 2022 . 21 September 2021.
  46. Web site: Wainwright . Anson . Gary Russell Jr. takes on Mark Magsayo while hoping for bigger fights down the road . ringtv.com . 18 January 2022 . 17 January 2022.
  47. Web site: Idec . Keith . Gary Russell Jr. Comes In Slightly Overweight, Makes Weight On Second Try . boxingscene.com . 22 January 2022 . 21 January 2022.
  48. Web site: Brookhouse . Brent . Gary Russell Jr. vs. Mark Magsayo: Fight prediction, card, odds, start time, how to watch, Showtime Boxing . cbssports.com . 22 January 2022 . 22 January 2022.
  49. Web site: Rothstein . Michael . Mark Magsayo pulls upset to halt Gary Russell Jr.'s long WBC featherweight title reign . . 23 January 2022 . 23 January 2022.