Las Vegas, Nev.

By Ron Harris – Don’t rush the fighting Russell family into fighting when they are not ready to step into the ring.  They will take their time, choose their opponent and make the fight.  They are not promoted by a conventional promoter.  When Gary Russell, Sr., was alive, he took his time before accepting opponents for his sons.  World champion, Gary Jr., was basically a one-time-a-year fighter.   Fight experts say time away from the ring is a detriment to being successful.  Gary Jr. proved them wrong for years.  The Washington DC native held the Featherweight belt for several years. 

Gary Antonio Russell 22-1 stepped into the ring after more than a year from his last fight.  He was as sharp as ever.  He carved up Dominican Republic fighter, Victor Santillon 16-3 with precision to win the World Boxing Association Interim Bantamweight (122 lbs.) title on a lopsided unanimous decision. Not a world title, but a very attractive belt.   The judges scored the 12-round fight, 118-109 and 119-108, twice.  Almost a shutout.   

“He said that I was predictable, but we saw tonight that my skillset was better”, says Russell.  “He’s a tough opponent but we stuck to the game plan.”  Santillon seemed frustrated from the opening bell.  He kept looking at referee, Robert Hoyle, and complaining about Russell hitting him behind the head.  Hoyle warned Russell several times. 

“I lost fair and square”, said Santillon. “But I thought the fight was going to be different. I wanted to work Russell’s body with my hands held higher.”

“It feels really good. The only thing missing is my pops”, says Russell.  Referring to Gary Sr., his original trainer.  Gary Jr. is now his full-time trainer.  “Outside of that, it feels wonderful.  We want to keep collecting belts and keep the dynasty going.”  In the first 2 seconds of the final round, Russell caught Santillon with a right hook to the head and knocked him down.  “That last round, I really wanted to take it to him,” said Russell. “I feel like I had taken the other rounds clear.  I wanted to finish strong and give the fans what they came to see.”

The Russell boys may not fight every month or so, but they come to the Capitol Heights, Md. gym every day like any other full-time employee.  They work on their craft, talk strategy and when the next fight is scheduled, they come out more than ready.  Reigning WBA Super Lightweight World Champion, Gary Antuanne Russell, should be stepping up next.  “Pops” would be proud of his boys. 

Photo credit: Chis Esqueda

Ron Harris is a retired college administrator, coach, broadcaster, Internet and TV sports producer and host.  He’s also a former radio host of a live call-in show.  Ron has been a mainstay of the Washington DC area sports landscape for decades covering all the major professional sports, college sports, boxing and more.