Kid Galahad vs Gary Russell Jr is a major fight for 2022
The featherweight division has a new player and things are about to get exciting. On August 7, newly crowned IBF champion Kid Galahad (28-1, 17ko) was methodical in beating his friend James “Jazza” Dickens (30-4, 11ko) into a bloody mess en route to an eleventh round stoppage. During the post-fight interview, Galahad spoke about wanting to clean out the division. After watching his performance against Dickens, one fight that comes to mind is with WBC champion “Mr.” Gary Russell Jr (31-1, 18ko).
Russell is said to have a fight with mandatory challenger and former WBC super bantamweight champion Rey Vargas (34-0, 22ko) for his customary once-a-year title defense. Despite both men agreeing to terms, news on this fight has been quiet as a dog whistle.
Furthermore, the WBC champion has been seeking a big fight, unsuccessfully. He spent years trying to get a fight with WBA ‘super’ champion Leo Santa Cruz. Everyone should remember his public feuds with WBC lightweight champion Devin “The Dream” Haney and WBO welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford. Nonetheless, he has not been able to get that one career-defining fight. However, it now seems the door of opportunity has opened with a welcome mat in front of it.
ATTENTION: FEATHERWEIGHTS!
Galahad, during the post-fight interview, had a very interesting exchange with DAZN promoter Eddie Hearn.
“I think the chance is there for him to dominate the division or attempt to do so. He is going to be really difficult to beat.” ~ Eddie Hearn
“I am going to dominate the division. Eddie, I have always told you, I was going to dominate this division.” ~ Kid Galahad
The British promoter would punctuate the discussion with a powerful statement.
“You’re going to have a nice defense in Sheffield later this year, and then you are going to get a chance to win another belt and all of the belts. You will get the opportunity to do it. You are going to be tough to beat mate.”
Russell’s head should have jumped up like a sleeping dog that hears a stranger approaching the front door. Finally, someone in the division is openly talking about going for undisputed! The WBC champion needs to get on this with a high level of urgency, especially considering a fight of this magnitude has both things he wants: a big name with an even bigger payday.
Of course, this means the fight could take place in the United Kingdom to maximize profits. This is a fight the entire boxing community is going to get excited about, and honestly, the division is in dire need of a unification fight. Hopefully, it is something that can happen to kick-off 2022.
By: Garrisson Bland
