Looks like Rey Vargas is next for Gary Russell Jr!
If history holds true, WBC World Featherweight champion “Mr.” Gary Russell Jr (31-1, 18 KO’s) has his annual prizefight planned. According to an announcement made by the WBC, Russell Jr and Rey Vargas (34-0, 22 KO’s) have agreed to terms to fight. In each year from 2015 to 2020, the WBC champion only fought one time apiece. Let him tell it, this is due to the lack of worthy competition stepping up.
In the last quarter of 2020, Russell was engaged in an extended and very public feud with WBC World Lightweight champion Devin “The Dream” Haney. Despite both men saying they wanted the bout, it was never realized. Naturally, both men point the finger at the other in regards to who flubbed the production. In Vargas, Russell will face a quality boxer who is also a former world champion.
For his bout with Russell, Vargas will step up to the featherweight division for the first time. During his tenure at super bantamweight, the talented Mexican did well for himself. In 2017, he defeated Gavin McDonnell to capture the vacant WBC World Super Bantamweight title. Vargas would hold the belt over two years and defended the belt five consecutive times. Unfortunately, Vargas would suffer a broken leg before a sixth defense could take place. The injury exiled Vargas long enough for the WBC to name him a champion in recess. Now it would seem that the Mexican is moving on and up, as he has been named the WBC featherweight mandatory challenger. It will be interesting to see how the two talented pugilists line up in the ring.
The date and venue are said to be announced shortly.
By: Bakari Simpson
