NEWLY-CROWNED WBA world super-lightweight titlist Gary Antuanne Russell has set his sights on a unification with Alberto Puello after comprehensively outpointing Jose Valenzuela.
The 28-year-old claimed his black and gold strap last night, shining brightly on the undercard of Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach Jr.
Despite coming off a loss, Russell, 18-1 (17 KOs), was nonetheless presented with a shot at world honours, with his golden opportunity taking place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Based on his victory over Isaac Cruz last August, Valenzuela, 14-3 (9 KOs), was considered by many to be a slight favourite heading into their one-sided contest.
And yet, the cleaner and more effective work from Russell ultimately proved too sharp for the 25-year-old, with all three judges producing wide scorecards in favour of ‘The Last.’
Immediately after their dustup, the American dedicated his career-best victory to his late father, Gary Russell Sr, who sadly passed away in 2022.
Russell then called for a rematch with WBC titlist Puello, 24-0 (10 KOs), who emerged from their first encounter last year with a highly contentious split decision win.
Also featuring on the Davis vs Roach undercard, Puello successfully defended his belt with another split decision victory, this time over Spanish slickster Sandor Martin.
The 30-year-old now has the chance to make a voluntary defence of his strap, while WBC mandatory challenger Dalton Smith waits in the wings for his opportunity.
And so, as far as Russell is concerned, a unification at 140lbs between the pair is the only logical matchup to make next.
“I’m definitely shooting for Alberto Puello,” Russell told media members at his post-fight press conference.
“I feel like it’s a pride thing; I don’t feel like he beat me [in the first fight]. I’m glad he [retained] his belt, so now it’ll be that much greater when I beat him the next go around.”
