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How Gary Antuanne Russell plans to steal the show on Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia undercard
Dalton Smith’s stunning knockout of Subriel Matias and Shakur Stevenson’s sweet science masterclass against Teofimo Lopez crowned two new super lightweight world champions last month and made the 140-pound division arguably the hottest in all of boxing.
On Saturday night, it will be the other two super lightweight world champions’ turns to shine.
That is when Richardson Hitchins will put his IBF title on the line against Oscar Duarte as chief support to the Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia headliner, while Gary Antuanne Russell aims to defend the WBA strap against undefeated Andy Hiraoka.
Russell cannot wait for the opportunity at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and live on DAZN PPV and Ultimate Tier, to showcase his skills, steal the show and make a statement to the bubbling division.
“You got to take the meat and leave the bone,” Russell told DAZN News on Wednesday over the phone about seizing the moment. “You can learn from everybody in the sport. This sport has no cap to learning. Styles make fights."
The method at which Stevenson was able to surgically dismantle Lopez to win the WBO title reinforced the importance of having a backup plan for Russell and the rest of boxing.
“Shakur was playing chess and Teofimo Lopez was more so going off of athleticism,” Russell offered. “He didn’t really have a plan B. If plan A didn’t work, you should have a plan B or plan C.”
Russell (18-1, 17 KOs), whose explosive combinations are accentuated by his quick hand speed, will be up against the blunt, efficient punching power of Hiraoka (24-0, 19 KOs).
As dangerous as both fighters are with their respective boxing bags, Russell expects this bout to boil down to “wits and chess — high-speed.” He vows to be prepared for whatever the unbeaten Japanese fighter throws at him.
“I just want to showcase my skillset and let people know I’m well-rounded,” Russell said. “I was always told a diamond shines from all sides, so no matter what style they put in front of me, I should look dazzling, I should look good.”
A convincing title defense and perhaps Russell, 29, will snatch some of the spotlight at super lightweight for himself.
Then, he can try locking in bigger fights against bigger-name opponents who he wants to put on blaring notice Saturday night.
“They prefer something that’s more convenient and more easy and that’s why they overlook me,” Russell said. “But I’m going to position myself where they can’t overlook me.
"They either have to pay me some step-aside money or give up their titles to me one way or another.”
Watch Barrios vs. Garcia only on DAZN PPV
The WBC welterweight world title is on the line this Saturday - Feb 21 - as Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia go toe-to-toe, exclusively on DAZN. Buy the PPV as a one-off cost or get included with DAZN Ultimate Tier.
For more information, pricing and to buy, click here.
