Jose Valenzuela will take on Gary Antuanne Russell in a 12 rounds WBA World Super Lightweight Title bout on March 2, at 3:00 GMT, at Barclays Center, Brooklyn. This is Valenzuela’s first title defense and every boxing fan is eager to see how it will end.
Jose Valenzuela: The Titleholder
Considered a prospect by many, the 25 years old fighter, Jose Valenzuela, has a record of 14 wins and 2 losses; 9 of those victories were by way of KOs. He had an impressive run before suffering 2 consecutive defeats. Rayo’s first loss was to the hard-hitting Dominican Edwin De Los Santos via a third-round TKO. And his second downfall came on March 25, 2023, in a 10-round 95-94 decision to Chris Colbert. However, Valenzuela had sweet revenge in December the same year in a rematch that saw him Knockout Colbert in the 6th round of the WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator.
Valenzuela proved that he is not just a knockout puncher by beating Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz by split decision last August for the WBA belt. And he comes to this ring after splitting with former trainer/manager Jose Benavidez Sr.
Gary Antuanne Russell: The Challenger
Russell, currently 25 years old, is a southpaw American boxer with an impressive record of 17 victories and a loss. His run of 17 KOs is a testament to his strong, solid, durable fighter profile. Though being ranked number 5 by the WBA in the 140lb division, Russell’s inactivity might be a setback to his promising career. He has fought two times since 2022.
“The Last” defeated Kent Cruz on August 12, 2023, by KO in the 1st round, before succumbing to Alberto Puello in an interim WBC title fight last June. And coming to this fight after a split decision loss, it might seem that he needs to knockout his opponent to win.
What are the odds?
Currently, the bookies have given a slight advantage on Jose Valenzuela. However, Gary Antuanne Russell’s 100% KO record is not to be undermined. There’s more into this fight than meets the eye; so, we are gathering more details and will come back in a week with a winning prediction for this bet.
Update
It is all set, the long awaited Valenzuela vs Russell bout will take place as planned, despite the word that it might be switched to a different PBC event. With the main card event featuring Gervonta “Tank” Davis facing Lamont Roach, it will be an action packed night in Brooklyn.
This will be a clash of styles as El Rayo is quick and skilled, while Russell is a hard puncher, considering his 17 KO victories. However, they are similar in some aspects. Both are southpaws and registered a height of 178 centimeters. There’s a slight difference in reach, Valenzuela has a reach of 178 centimeters, while The Last counts on 175 centimeters reach.
There is a lot in stake as Jose Valenzuela attempts to hold on to the belt far beyond the current 6 months. However, Gary Antuanne Russell is determined to come back to winning ways after his first career defeat. Interestingly, the bookies’ have altered their odds, offering @1.99 for El Rayo to retain the title, and @1.82 for Russell to win.
All things considered, Valenzuela stands a chance if this fight is decided by points. However, Russell’s ability to end the fight early cannot be taken lightly. That being said, Russell will win this fight either way. So, go on and open an account at the best betting platform and bet on this bout to be among the winners.