Russell Jr. on absence: ‘I had to take the time to focus and regroup’
Goforitradio Staff
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Former world champion Gary Russell Jr. (31-2, 18 KOs) is back on July 19 after three years away from the sport when he faces Hugo Castañeda(15-2-1) in a 10-round fight in the lightweight division on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao-Mario Barrios welterweight showdown.
The 37-year-old Russell last stepped into the ring in 2022, when he lost his title after being defeated by Mark Magsayo by a majority decision. During that fight, Russell, who held the WBC 126-pound title for over six years, injured his shoulder, resulting in an extended absence from the sport.
Fortunately for Russell, he stayed close to the sport as he trained his brother, WBA 140-pound champion Gary Antuanne Russell. Now, the elder Russell, who dealt with the death of his father and younger brother, is looking to capture another title in another division.
“Boxing is a lifestyle for me,” Russell said during a virtual conference call on Wednesday. “In my last fight, I got injured and still thought I did enough to get the win. I always wanted to come back to the sport. I lost my father and one of my younger brothers, so there was a lot that held me back. I also took time to train my younger brothers. I had to take the time to focus and regroup. Now I’m ready to come back to the sport.”
As he prepares for this fight, Russell Jr. says he’s been helped by his younger brothers, which he says has been beneficial to him.
“Now that I’m competing again, my younger brothers are helping to train me,” Russell said. “It’s cool for the dynamics to switch like that. Even a king needs to be open-minded for constructive criticism. I’m using it all as fuel for progression.
“I’m getting the good fight nerves. It’s really more excitement the closer we get to the fight. I’m glad that I’ll be ready to go out there and display my skillset to the world.”
If he wins his upcoming fight, Russell Jr. wouldn’t mind a rematch against Magsayo or a fight with Gervonta Davis.
“Mark Magsayo says he’s in for a rematch, but his promoters might not be glad he said that. Because it’s real over here,” Russell said. “We have to decide who’s the best in the area, so that would make Gervonta Davis or Lamont Roach an interesting opponent. I want to figure out who the best is in our area of the country.”
