GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL expects to face a vastly different version of WBA world super-lightweight titlist Jose Valenzuela when they square off tomorrow night.
The pair will collide at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, featuring on an Amazon Prime pay-per-view show headlined by Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach Jr.
Despite coming off a split decision defeat to Alberto Puello, ferocious puncher Russell, 17-1 (17 KOs), has nonetheless been presented with his first shot at world honours.
In fairness, the 28-year-old has been knocking on the door for quite some time, with notable stoppages against seasoned operators Viktor Postol and Rances Barthelemy arriving in 2022.
And while his lack of activity in recent years should represent a genuine concern, Russell seemingly remains convinced that his silky skills will prevail come fight night.
Valenzuela, 14-2 (9 KOs), meanwhile, claimed his WBA strap after edging a split decision against tenacious bruiser Isaac Cruz last August.
It was a performance that largely showcased his defensive prowess, as the 25-year-old’s range control ultimately proved too polished for Cruz, 27-3-1 (18 KOs).
Russell, however, believes that ‘Rayo’ only opted to box on the outside – utilising his long levers – to gain a tactical advantage over his shorter opponent.
In previous performances, he claims, Valenzuela has demonstrated more of a tendency to maintain an aggressive approach, imposing his physical attributes at close quarters.
And so, in their upcoming clash this Saturday, the American anticipates a willingness from his fellow southpaw to trade bombs in the pocket.
“I don’t believe that was his normal fighting style [against Cruz],” Russell told media members at yesterday’s press conference.
“If you go back and look at his fights, he’s [more of] a boxer-puncher or brawler. I just feel like, when he was matched up against Isaac Cruz, it was a style that was tailor-made for him.
“Cruz is strong – he’s relentless – but a lot of the stuff he does is real televised. You could see it coming; he wasn’t using the jab.
“[Rayo] just did what he had to do against a shorter guy.”
