The super lightweight division is stacked with talented fighters, including Regis Prograis, Teofimo Lopez, Jack Catterall, Brandun Lee, Ryan Garcia and potentially Devin Haney. With that said, fans can’t lose sight of Gary Antuanne Russell. The Maryland native holds the distinction of being one of three world-class fighters to have stopped every opponent they have fought. On Saturday, August 12, he’ll look to improve his pro record to 17-0 with a win against fellow unbeaten super lightweight contender Kent Cruz. However, a win on Saturday won’t just improve his spotless record. The District Heights native is also returning home to fight less than 10 miles away from where he grew up. During a press conference at the MGM National Harbor on Thursday, Brian Custer asked him about what it feels like to fight in front of his hometown fans.
“[Kent Cruz should expect] pain. It’s the hurt business. Someone’s 0 has got to go. It’s that simple,” Russell told Custer of Showtime.
“At the end of the day, I’m going to make sure that I take my hat off to him. [I’ll exhibit] good, respectful sportsmanship. I’m going to let everyone know that I do it for the art. I do it for the love of the sport. Definitely, doing something back in my hometown [feels] like I’m almost representing my area. If I get good grades, it makes the family look good, right?”
Kent Cruz has beaten his last three Southpaw opponents. Russell has stopped every opponent he’s gotten in the ring with. On Saturday, something will have to change when Cruz meets Russell at the MGM National Harbor on Showtime.
