Russell (22-0, 13 KO's) hurt his hand in the 10-round unanimous decision win over Vyacheslav Gusev on March 2 in Las Vegas, NV. Russell knocked Gusev down in the third round and then fractured his hand in either the fourth or fifth round. Russell still earned a shutout (100-89) on all three judge's cards.
Russell says he has been doing more strength and conditioning training in recent weeks but says he has back to full strength now.
The 2008 US Olympian also kept busy by joining his father, Gary, Sr. in the corner of his brother Antonio who recently won a National Golden Gloves title in Salt Lake City, UT. Antonio also captured the Outstanding Boxer trophy during the tournament. As BATB previously reported, Antonio is the third member of his family to win a National Golden Gloves title.
Russell is now focused on his next outing, which is slated to be on Saturday, July 13 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. This will be the co-feature to the bout featuring Bernard Hopkins against Karo Murat. Russell does not have an opponent, but Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, who is promoting the card, tells ESPN.com's Dan Rafael that he would like to match Russell against former WBO Featherweight champ Jhonny Gonzalez of Mexico. Gonzalez (54-8, 46 KO's) would bring a lot of experience to the bout as he has faced a who's who of current and former champions and contenders. Gonzalez's record includes victories over former world champions Mark Johnson, Fernando Montiel and Ratanachi Sor Vorapin. The 31-year-old Gonzalez has also competed against the likes of former champs Gerry Penalosa, Israel Vasquez and current contender Daniel Ponce De Leon.
The two men are ranked among the world's best. Russell is ranked number two by the WBO, three by the WBA and fifth by the WBC. Gonzalez is ranked ahead of Russell in the WBC at number two.
The fight with Jhonny Gonzalez will never, never happen. Although, the head honcho may request the fight. According to Russell's track record, some excuse will arise. And in all fairness, I would suggest that he keep playing safe untill he is forced to step it up. Make as much as money possible with low risk fights. Of course he will continue to take a beating by the press, but at the end of the day, he comes out ahead of the game. It's new age way. Very few fighters now-a-days fight all comers. It's a business. Get used to it.
ReplyDeleteTHE ONLY FIGHTER IN THE DMV WHO WILL FIGHT THE BEST IS LAMONT PETERSON LIL G AND PEOPLE LIKE DUSTY THEY NOT GOING TO FIGHT NO REAL FIGHTERS UNLESS THE PERSON THEY ARE FIGHTING ARE OLD AND WASHED UP
ReplyDeleteLamont Peterson is a throw-back fighter. The real deal! Dusty and Russell are in for the money only. They might get rich, but will never be a hall of famer.
ReplyDeleteLamont & Anthony fought tomatoe cans coming up wit PrizeFight promotion.. Except for when Ant fought Bam Bam Rios & we know what happen wit that match... Only difference Lamont has a major belt & promoter in Goldenboy, that's why Lamont can't fight tomatoes rite now & he'll never become a Hall of Famer.. When he got the decision against Amir Khan that was his glory.. So let Dusty & Gary groom first because its what's needed at this point on the pro side.... Because they not ready for the big stage rite now, but I believe wit the proper grooming that Gary will become a Hall of Famer someday.. As with Dusty I believe he'll make great money in boxing & become World Champ but will prosper in other avenues in & outside of boxing... So please let these guys groom!!!
ReplyDeleteRussell will be great because he can fight but Dusty I'm not so sure because Buddy being paying for Dusty all the way through the amateur when he steps it up he will be exposed WATCH AND U WILL SEE.
ReplyDeleteSounds like some fathers having haterade to wash down today's BBQ. Guess Dusty whooped your boy.
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