Russell-Hiraoka Bout on the Move After Paul-Davis Cancellation
- Matthew Brown
- 5 minutes ago
- 1 min read
The disposition of the November 14 bout between Gary Antuanne Russell and Andy Hiraoka is now in flux following the sudden cancellation of the Jake Paul–Gervonta Davis event amid Davis’ ongoing legal issues.
The highly anticipated bout was set to pit the newly crowned WBA Junior Welterweight Champion Russell against his hard-hitting mandatory challenger, Hiraoka, in what many viewed as a breakout showcase for both fighters on a major stage.
Sources tell Brunch Boxing that a new date for the Russell-Hiraoka bout will depend largely on the selection of Jake Paul’s next opponent. If Paul opts to fight a PBC-affiliated fighter as a replacement for Davis, the Russell-Hiraoka matchup is expected to move to that new date.
Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions is reportedly targeting the third week of December for the rescheduled event. Among the names circulating as a potential PBC replacement opponent for Paul is WBA Welterweight Champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero.
However, if Paul elects to go with a non-PBC opponent, PBC will look to reschedule Russell-Hiraoka for a separate, stacked event in January. That card is rumored to feature several major championship bouts, including the postponed Sebastian Fundora vs. Keith Thurman clash.
As of now, the path forward for Russell and Hiraoka remains uncertain, though sources suggest that the decision will be finalized within the coming week.
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