Gary Antuanne Russell Gets The Stoppage Over Viktor Postol
Rising junior welterweight prospect Gary Antuanne Russell (15-0, 15KO) has been on a “seek-and-destroy” mission since entering the professional ranks. He is viewed as the most talented of the famous Russell boxing clan.
The youngest sibling of the family has maintained his perfect knockout streak even as his level of competition increases. Blessed with height, power, and an above-average ring IQ, Russell is viewed by pundits as a future world champion.
Former WBC junior welterweight champ Viktor “Iceman” Postol (31-4, 12KO) entered the bout in hopes of getting back in striking range of a world title. Currently ranked #7 by the WBC ranking kept alive the former champ will be Russell’s toughest opponent to date. Although, the Ukranian could possibly be heavily distracted with the state of world affairs in the conflict between Russia and his home country.
YOUTH VERSUS EXPERIENCE
Russell came out looking to jump on the former champion going to the body early. The youngest of the Russell clan started using his athleticism to get in and out landing the straight left hand.
Postol was being overwhelmed in the beginning before settling down. He used the “over-aggression” of the younger fighter to his advantage by stepping to the side and landing the counter overhand right. Furthermore, he started finding a home with the jab breaking the rhythm and slowing the forward motion of his opponent.
As the fight continued, the championship experience of Postol started showing as he landed the counter right hand and a good uppercut after capitalizing on the mistakes of Russell. However, Gary Antuanne was relentless; coming forward landing the straight left hand in different variations. In the clinches, he would starch the former champion with body shots.
Russell was passing the test as he stretched past the sixth round. Postol would land one or two punches but was eating two or three in return as the younger fighter continued to stalk the former champion.
CONTROVERSIAL STOPPAGE LATE
The Ukrainian tried to box and move around to maintain distance, but Russell did a good job cutting off the ring. The former champion occasionally landed the straight right hand, but it was not stopping the aggression of Russell.
Fighting past the sixth round for the first time, the prospect entered the tenth round fighting off the instructions of his older brother and former featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. Gary Antuanne came out throwing the right hook that caught Postol directly on the chin and had him in serious trouble. Russell went on the attack, and after landing two more power shots, the referee jumped in to stop the fight.
Many will believe the stoppage to be premature, nevertheless, Russell officially became the first man to stop Postol. Additionally, the stoppage keeps both his undefeated record intact along with his knockout streak.
3kingsboxing would like to thank Viktor Postol for taking this fight despite the controversy happening in his home country.
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By: Garrisson Bland
