WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr Still Craves a Career Defining Fight
On January 22, WBC featherweight champion “Mr.” Gary Russell Jr (31-1, 18 KO’s) will face hungry challenger Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo (23-0, 16 KO’s). Their main event prizefight, Russell’s sixth title defense, will set off the 2022 boxing calendar for SHOWTIME Boxing.
The more cynical boxing fans will say this is likely to be Russell’s only bout of the year. This is due to his penchant for primarily only competing once annually. Therefore, it should be noted that his impending dance date with Magsayo will snap a two-year stint of activity.
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Let Mr. Russell tell it, this has very little to do with him. If given his way, he’d slide through the ropes only to face the most elite opposition around. In fact, his not being able to secure those more dangerous bouts is exactly why Russell plies his trade so infrequently. Whether right or wrong though, the WBC champion earnestly believes it’s a waste of his time and talent to duel with lesser competition.
SHOW ME A CHALLENGE!
With his sparse fighting schedule, it’s not hard to believe it when Russell says he still craves a career defining dustup. There is no doubt that the champ is outrageously talented. That was never up for debate. At the same time, we have never really seen Russell in a high quality, high class war that will endear him for the ages.
He did surrender his undefeated record to Vasiliy Lomachenko in a spirited battle well back on June 21, 2014. According to Russell, however, he entered that bout ill and was unable to give his best effort. This is why he has always wanted to run the fight back. As he was unable to show his best form, Russell is still very thirsty to stage a historically memorable prizefight.
“I want a career defining match, I want one of those career defining fights. With someone who they say is supposed to be the best of the best, that’s ultimately what I want. I’ve made good money in the sport, I’m lying. I’ve made great money in the sport.
“I’m the longest reigning champion. Like I say, I just want that one fight that says, ‘okay he’s definitely better, hands down, than anyone he’s ever competed against in the sport right now.’ That’s what I want.”
Only time will tell if Russell obtains the legacy defining bouts that he is looking for. Yet, before he gets to fantasizing too hard about dustups down the road, Russell needs to keep his eye on Magsayo. Sure, the champ is the easy favorite going into this showdown. However, the protégé of living legend Manny Pacquiao should not be taken lightly.
Ranked #1 (WBO), #2 (WBC) and #5 (IBF), Magnifico is coming to make a huge statement on a large stage. Magsayo has every intention of riding the momentum coming in off a confidence boosting, come-from-behind win against Julio Ceja. Now, let’s see if the Filipino boxer can shock the world or if Russell handles business as is largely expected.
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By: Bakari Simpson
