Gary Russell Jr- Reach for the sky!

WBC featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr fights a mandatory defence against Interim champion Oscar Escandon from Colombia on February 11th.

Gary, who’s had an opportunity to rest and recuperate,  is keen to get back into action. As a fighter who’s dedicated to his profession in lifestyle mode, his focus has meant significant quality time sacrifices for the family. Not planning to stay in boxing for too much longer, he’s singularly determined to clean out the division and then move up to super featherweight, enthusing:  “The sky is the limit!”

Gary coolly and astutely assesses Oscar Escandon, observing:  “It’s always a dangerous fight when you have an opponent, who’s prepared for no one else than you. May the best man win!

“It takes a particular kind of individual to engage in the sport we are in today. It takes a different type of mentality to deal with, what we deal with, the sacrifices we have to make as athletes. I’ll share the field of battle with all the other fighters.”

Frustrated by illness and not being allowed to compete at the Olympics,  after getting there, Gary refused to downhearted for long, was inspired by supportive friends in his community, turned pro and persevered!

“The only way to make it up to the people who genuinely supported me, was to become a world champion. Now it’s time to collect more of these belts.”

Gary would fancy a boxing match against WBC super featherweight champion Francisco  “Bandido” Vargas, who’s recently fought two back to back ring wars, firstly against Takashi Miura and then against Orlando Salido.

Gary, who stressed he doesn’t want to talk bad about any fighter, commented: “My Father says what creates a war is two fighters that didn’t have a plan B. Other guys believe to create a good fight they should go blow for blow, punch for punch. I feel it takes away from the sweet side. To hit…and not get hit. Some if the best can pull that off. While still being entertaining, without being reckless. It preserves you as an individual, of course!”