WBC featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr. (30-1, 18 KOs) will defend his 126-pound crown against unbeaten mandatory challenger and 2012 Olympic silver medalist Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar (11-0, 9 KOs) February 8 on SHOWTIME from PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
“I’m forced to defend my title against another mandatory challenger and I’m going to show on February 8 why none of the other champions want to face me,” said Russell. “I’m the longest current reigning WBC champion but no one has stepped up to the challenge I present. I’m going to take care of business against a strong opponent and display all my skills like I always do.”
The telecast will also see former world champions Guillermo Rigondeaux (19-1, 13 KOs) and Liborio Solís (30-5-1, 14 KOs) battle in their rescheduled vacant WBA bantamweight world title fight in the co-main event, plus a WBA super featherweight title eliminator between Jaime Arboleda (15-1, 13 KOs) and Jayson Veléz (29-5-1, 21 KOs) in a 12-round bout.
At one time, Russell had very fast hands for his size (still does, but not like in the past). Russell’s problem is as the fight progresses, he tends to telegraph his punches and stays in front of the opponent. That being said, Gary will find himself getting smothered or peppered with counters and he then likes to hug on the inside like an amateur will do. Not sure why he developed this habit when his trainers could have taught him different and forced him to move, use angles, and counter more. However, his fast hands at certain times have made up for these errors when he won fights. Russell said when he lost to Loma, he basically focused too much on strength training and not enough on speed and punches. Russell admitted that costed him the fight and he was worn out too soon in the fight. Who knows, but no one is perfect.
Maybe because he fights cab drivers once every 9 years
Haha good one Jake. I believe the guy is irrelevant, he only fights once a year and then demands respect as one of the top fighters in the world. If I remember correctly he got handled pretty well by Lomachenko. He definitely has skills but as the saying goes out of sight out of mind.
Couldnt agree more Pojo
GTFOH since Loma schooled your ass you’ve been taking on no hopers claiming everyone’s scared of you the problem is you bring no money to the table and you also claim to be chasing Loma rematch which is absurd he beat you once no problem you make it seem like you beat him wtf…he’ll do it again-if you ever step up to 135. Keep talking Boring ass big mouth you guys are the same size there’s no reason why you can’t step up to 135.
Another joke fight for “once a year” Russel, the next fight will be against somebody, when Gary!!
Great, he is fighting a “mandatory” and then disappear till 2021.
It would be a great time to get caught up on much needed sleep when this airs…
All the once a year fighters ALWAYS are always crying that no one will fight them. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
fight warrington the ibf champ from leeds he ,would take the fight next day i know hes not best in world but he will fight any one as he is from leeds