Editorials

What’s Next for Gary Russell Jr.?

After a statement victory over Jhonny Gonzalez, Alex McLeish explores what’s next for Gary Russell Jr.

The Future: Leo Santa Cruz, Lomachenko Rematch

Leo Santa Cruz - Steve Marcus Getty Images

For years boxing fans have been drooling over a fight between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares, and with Cruz moving up from Super Bantamweight to Featherweight, it’s more likely to happen now than ever before.

The question is, since Mares has looked anything but inspiring lately, and after Russell’s domination of Gonzalez, is Gary Russell Jr. vs. Santa Cruz the more enticing fight?

Stylistically it’s very desirable, both guys have fast hands, and with Santa Cruz’s ability to provide a huge punch output, it’s a fight that has “thrilling” written all over it.

Santa Cruz has been the WBC Super Bantamweight champion since 2013 and it would make sense for him to move up to Featherweight and want to win the same belt there.

Russel has been very open about wanting a rematch with Vasyl Lomachenko since he lost to him back in June 2014.

In an interview with BoxingScene.com in late 2014 Russell spoke about his first pro loss to Lomachenko.

[otw_shortcode_quote border=”bordered” border_style=”bordered”]“I will never get over the loss to Lomachenko. Even if we fight again and I beat him, I will never forget that first loss… I expect 2015 will be a very big year for me. I want to fight for another world title, win it, and then immediately challenge Lomachenko to a unification fight. I believe if we fight again I will win. In fact I feel if we fought 100 times, I would beat him in 99 of them.”[/otw_shortcode_quote]

Although a rematch/unification bout between Lomachenko and Russell does seem sexy right now, it’s hard to say if it will happen considering Russell is signed to Haymon and Lomachenko fights for Top Rank.

The first fight went to a purse bid because it was a mandatory for a vacant title, but in order for it to happen again, both promotional sides would have to be willing to work together.

 

Who would you like to see Gary Russell Jr. fight next? Please feel free to discuss in our comment section provided below.

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