By Ron Harris

Oxon Hill, Md – In most fights, both fighters do what is known as feeling each other out in the first round.  They move around the ring and in many cases the judges have a hard time scoring the first round.  None of that happens when Antuanne Russell (17-0, 17 KO’s) climbs into the ring.  He is on the attack early and often.  Russell said before the fight, “I like to come out fast.  I can tell by my opponent’s body language that they are not ready for my pressure.  I like to dictate the pace of my fights.”

He did exactly that on Saturday night at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, about a 15-minute drive from Russell’s home.  A hard right hook to the right side of Kent Cruz (16-1-3), sent him to his knees.  After getting up at the count of 8, Russell caught him again, this time on his left side with a left hook and Cruz, 30, crawled a step or two but could not get up.  Referee Bill Clancy took his time counting to 10 and the fight was over at 2:39 of the first round.  Russell now has 17 wins as a pro with 17 knockouts. 

Gary Russell, Jr. took over the job of training his younger brothers, Antonio and Antuanne after the death of their father Gary Russell, Sr.  Gary Jr said about Antuanne, “He’s still young and still maturing. He did a good job tonight.”  Will we see former world champion back in the ring, anytime soon?  “Stay tuned, stay tuned.  I will go up in weight and I’ll just say stay tuned.”

Antuanne, 27, was pleased with his performance.  “This was obviously good.” Russell said.  “I saw the opening and I took it, and I was trying to remain disciplined defensively at the same time.  More than anything, I was trying to make sure I could end it in the first round.” 

Russell has put himself in position for a title shot next year.  Four different fighters hold championship belts in the 4 championship organizations at 140 lbs.  Antuanne kept his consecutive knockout streak alive but that was not his plan.  “I wasn’t shooting for the knockout streak but that’s just what happened during a minute and a half of work tonight.  If the opportunity is there, why not take it.”

Former Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell will have that world champion opportunity real soon and his Pops would be so proud.

Photos courtesy Amanda Wescott

About Ron Harris

Ron Harris, retired college administrator, coach, broadcaster, Internet and TV sports producer and host. Former radio host of a live call-in show.  Extremely close to the sports landscape in the Washington, DC metro area. Former radio sports reporter, covering MLB, college sports, major boxing events and much more.