Gary Russell Jr. is the reigning WBC featherweight champion the world with a current boxing record of 28-1 (17 KO’s). The only loss in his career is against two division champion, Vasyl Lomachenko, a fight that was competitive, but a clear defeat for Russell Jr. Since that fight, Lomachenko has established himself as one of the best P4P fighters in the sport, while Russell Jr. has not only won a belt, he has defended it twice. With the success each has had since their first encounter, the possibility of a rematch is now an appealing option for both boxers.
In part 2 of my special “On The Ropes” boxing radio interview with Gary Russell Jr, I discuss with him the upcoming Gennady Golovkin vs. Canelo Alvarez fight and get his prediction for that bout. Russell Jr. also talks about a possible rematch with Vasyl Lomachenko, what he thinks he would do differently in a rematch and what his prediction would be. Additionally, Gary talks about his desired timetable for his return to the ring and shares a message to all his fans. Here is what Gary Russell Jr. had to say.
Jenna J: It was recently announced that Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin will meet each other in the ring on September 16th. What do you think of that fight?
Gary Russell: I think Canelo has a better repertoire than ‘GGG’. I think Golovkin is heavy handed, he’s in shape, and he comes forward but I think Canelo brings more to the table technically than ‘GGG’. It will be a great fight, but Golovkin has that equalizer, he can punch. This is one that I’ll be on the edge of my seat for.
Jenna J: If you had to put money down on one guy, who would you put it on?
Gary Russell: Ah man, I don’t know. I don’t know, if I’m gonna gamble, I will have to gamble correctly. I would split my odds on that one.
Jenna J: When you look back to your fight with Vasyl Lomachenko, what things do you think you could have done differently? What would you do differently in a rematch?
Gary Russell: I wouldn’t do anything different except change the small incident that occurred before the fight. We brought someone else into our camp to cut weight in the completely wrong way. I’ll give you an analogy, you have a race car running perfectly fine, it’s switching gears perfectly and the day before the race you pour all the oil out of the car. It’s the same car, but it’s not going to run the way it’s supposed to run because there isn’t any oil in it. Put some more oil in it, start it up and it’s going to run fine. That’s what happened in the Lomachenko fight. Nothing needs to be changed, I just have to keep the oil in the vehicle this time.
Jenna J: What do you expect the result to be in the rematch?
Gary Russell: I’m going to knock him out, yeah I’m going to knock him out or stop him, one or the other. When it comes to these fighters, it’s business, but this fight is personal. This fight has an incentive to it. Everyone that I competed against in my entire amateur career I had an opportunity to fight again and beat them, except for maybe three guys who were out of the country. This isn’t for the fans, this isn’t for a friend, this is something personal that I have to do for me. I need him to take this fight when we’re ready to take this fight, and I’m going to knock him out.
Jenna J: Can you talk about your brothers, Gary Antonio and Gary Antuanne Russell, and how you expect their futures to go?
Gary Russell: I expect it to go very similar to mine. My younger brothers were brought up by the same individual, my father. Of course their skills are ridiculous, it’s out of the roof. Their ring generalship, punching ability, hand speed, boxing IQ, I think they are ultimate predators. I think their careers are going to be great.
Jenna J: When can the fans expect to see you back in the ring?
Gary Russell: Good thing is I got no injuries, I’m good and healthy. October or maybe November I’ll try to figure something out. I’m going to talk to my coach because there’s some things that he wants me to do, but I would personally love to get back into the ring in the next couple of months. My team sometimes may disagree on something, but we’ll all come to a mutual agreement at the end of the day.
Jenna J: Is there any message you want to pass along to all your fans and supporters?
Gary Russell: To everyone who is supporting me and loving me, I appreciate you. Whenever I am in the ring and I’m competing, my opponents are battling you too because everyone plays a part in it.
‘I need him to take this fight when we’re ready to take this fight, and I’m going to knock him out.’ when would that be. i’m excited to know. ‘ I wouldn’t do anything different except change the small incident that occurred before the fight. We brought someone else into our camp to cut weight in the completely wrong way.’ i don’t know man but instead of making an excuse, you have to admit that there are things you need to change. first is be more brave. Loma was the first time you have fought who is a technician like you, can take your shots and a banger/ can pack a punch like you. and you became hesitant to throw punches and take your chances. second, better game plan. third and last, admit he was better than you and you need to better yourself to have a chance to beat him. stop dreaming about KO as you might end up being knocked out. be real and work for it and KO will just come as a bonus! and before fighting him, follow what he does. push your self to the limit by facing real contenders. don’t me wrong as i really love to see a rematch because just like you, i believe you can do better the next time around!
Hey Adlonenro, I agree with you . Good call on Russell Jr, he can do better, but he needs to put his eyes on the prize and admit his shortcomings.