By: Hans Themistode
It’s been quite a while since boxing fans set their eyes on Gary Russell Jr in the boxing ring. The longtime 126-pound WBC belt holder has remained disinterested and out of his mind since his one-way win over Tugstsogt Nyambayar in February 2020.
Russell Jr.’s recent string of inactivity is something fans are all too familiar with. Outside of 2021, where he is completely out of the ring, the now 33-year-old has appeared only once a year since 2015. Still, while he rarely steps over the ropes, Russell Jr is keen. Get the chance to face one of the biggest names in the entire sport of boxing.
Although he has competed in the featherweight division his entire boxing career, if given the choice, Russell Jr should have no problem climbing up a certain number of weight classes for a given individual.
“I’m going to fight Terence Crawford at 147 and I’m coming at 140,” Russell Jr said in an interview with FightHype.com.
Both Russell Jr. and his much larger goals, have both been embroiled in a war of words over the past few years. Not long ago, Russell Jr revealed that during a talk at the Olympic training center as an amateur, both he and Crawford shared heated words. Their beef will, according to Russell Jr., spill into physical chaos, as the iconic WBC featherweight athlete reveals he landed the right-hand square on the jaws of the Omaha, Nebraska native geography.
While Crawford later explained that the two never had a chance to work out their problems once and for all, he threatened to “break” Russell Jr’s neck if the two had a confrontation. quarrel in another street.
Regardless of the tension between the two men, Crawford, 34, seems focused on fueling his aspirations to be the undisputed world champion at 147 pounds. Recently, the batting star scored the most important victory of his career, scoring his tenth stoppage time goal against two-time former title winner Shawn Porter.
Without hesitation, Russell Jr admitted to turning on his television to watch the action. And while Crawford has received plenty of praise for his performance, Russell Jr views it as such.
“I think he did well,” continued Russell Jr. “I really feel like Terence is a better boxer than Shawn Porter. I thought Shawn Porter would bring more endurance. ”
