Offer Made For Russell-Hiraoka Bout To Land on Pacquiao-Barrios Card
- Matthew Brown
- May 8
- 2 min read
05/08/2025
Sources tell Brunch Boxing that representatives for WBA Junior Welterweight Champion Gary Antuanne Russell have sent a substantial counteroffer to the team of mandatory challenger Andy Hiraoka, aiming to stage the bout as part of the undercard of the reported July 19 clash between Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios in Las Vegas.
The WBA formally ordered the Russell-Hiraoka title fight in late April, setting a deadline of May 21 for both camps to reach an agreement and avoid a purse bid. While the WBA mandates the fight take place no later than July 1, sources indicate both teams are open to pushing the bout as far back as September 14.
Russell, who is promoted by TGB Promotions on the Premier Boxing Champions platform, captured the title with a dominant and destructive performance over Jose Valenzuela on March 1. It was a statement victory for the highly-respected southpaw from Capitol Heights, Maryland.
Japan’s Hiraoka, promoted by Hideyuki Ohashi, earned his position as mandatory challenger following a tactically sharp ninth-round stoppage of the seasoned Ismael Barroso in September.
The counteroffer submitted by Russell’s team has been described to Brunch Boxing as a “better deal for Ohashi and Andy.” While the specifics of the proposal have not been disclosed publicly, the financial terms and platform exposure—particularly if attached to a card headlined by global icon Manny Pacquiao—could be especially attractive for the Japanese fighter’s camp.
The Pacquiao-Barrios bout, still not formally announced but widely expected for July 19 in Las Vegas, would mark the return of the Filipino legend for his first professional fight since 2021.
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