By: Sean Crose
Gary Antonio Russell 18-0 faces Alexandro Santiago 24-2-5 on Saturday in a scheduled 10th round match at bantamweight. The match was broadcast live by Showtime from the Park Theater in Las Vegas. While not exactly dramatic, the first round was relatively quick, as each player chose a position to land effectively. The second saw Russell make a quick landing to keep his man afloat, but with Santiago still occasionally darting inside him. The third inning was interesting, with each man having his moments, Russell landing sharply while maintaining range, and Santiago plunging into his man after the stab. The boxers let their fists fly in the fourth round. The duel had become an entertainment.
Santiago fought well enough in the fifth inning that Unofficial Showtime scorer Steve Farhood sent him into the ring. Things are still interesting on Friday. Santiago dismembers Russell in season seven. A low blow hits Russell and halts action. Russell tried rough play in season eight, holding and pushing his man toward the ropes. The ninth time was a tough one. Likewise, the tenth and final round shows that each man must give his all – for the results to appear positive.
Russell walked out of the ring with a decisive majority victory.
