Gary Russell Jr Looking to Fight Three Times in 2022!
Long-reigning WBC featherweight champion “Mr” Gary Russell Jr (31-1, 18KOs) will return to the ring on January 22. This will be his first fight in nearly two years since easily defeating Tugstsogt Nyambayar by unanimous decision. Standing across from him will be the hard-hitting and talented Filipino contender Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo (23-0, 16KOs).
This bout marks the seventh title defense for Russell and perhaps will be his toughest fight since facing Vasyl Lomachenko back in June of 2014. In that fight, Russell would suffer the only defeat of his career via a majority decision.
Known as one of the better fighters in the sport, Russell has faced criticism for his lack of activity. Interestingly enough, the last time he fought more than once a year came in 2014, when he fought three times. Since then, he has only had one fight per year. However, yet again he’s expressed his willingness to fight three times in 2022 and how realistic it is for him.
FAR FROM IMPOSSIBLE?
He told SecondsOut the following:
“It’s very realistic, on my point of view. Like I say, as long as we’re injury free, I’m willing to compete. We’re competing in the first month of the year, so we have a lot of time to go out. The question is, will we be able to get another dancing partner? Will we be able to get these guys to actually step in the ring and compete against me? After the conclusion of this fight, I will be pushing very very hard for another match mid summer, you know and try to finish the year out strong, as well.”
It’s great to hear that the Maryland native wants to fight three times this year. However, the guys he mentioned he wanted to face, such as Vasyl Lomachenko in a rematch and Gervonta Davis, seem like long shots.
Although those two aforementioned fights may not happen, there are plenty of quality fights for Russell to partake in. Names include Leo Santa Cruz, Emanuel Navarrete, and the Kiko Martinez and Josh Warrington winner, among others etc. Supposing he gets past Magsayo, if he can’t lure his fellow featherweight champions into the ring with him, a move up in weight would be the next best and most logical thing to do.
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By: Jerrell Fletcher
