02/18/25
Photo Credit: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
WBA Junior Welterweight Champion Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela isn’t holding back ahead of his March 1 clash with Gary Antuanne Russell. The two will meet in the co-main event of the PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime, headlined by Gervonta “Tank” Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. But if you ask Valenzuela, Russell hasn’t earned his shot at the title.
Valenzuela, fresh off his title-winning performance over Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, made it clear that he doesn’t see Russell as a legitimate challenger.
“I don’t believe that Gary Antuanne Russell belongs here with me,” Valenzuela said. “He’s a strong, solid, durable fighter. He’s good, but I think he’s a little stiff when I look at him more. I worked my ass off to get here, and this is a bit of a handout for him.”
Photo Credit: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
The champion contrasted their respective paths, pointing out how he had to overcome adversity while suggesting that Russell has been handed opportunities.
“I took two tough losses and came back from hell to get the ‘Pitbull’ Cruz fight and conquer that. Russell has had everything given to him, and I think it’s gonna show on March 1.”
Valenzuela also downplayed Russell’s skill set, insisting that the undefeated knockout artist doesn’t bring anything new to the table.
“He’s nothing I haven’t seen before. He comes forward, double jab, high guard. I think I bring way more to the ring and I’m more crafty.”
Photo Credit: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
While Valenzuela is confident, Russell has his own motivation. The 2016 U.S. Olympian is coming off his first career loss, a June 2024 decision defeat to current WBC Junior Welterweight Champion Alberto Puello. Before that, Russell had been tearing through the division, finishing every opponent inside the distance.
Valenzuela, however, sees a difference in their résumés. The Mexican champion suffered two consecutive defeats in 2022 and 2023 against Edwin De Los Santos and Chris Colbert, but he rebounded. He avenged his loss to Colbert before securing his shot at Isaac Cruz in August 2024, where he claimed the WBA title.
Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing
Now, Valenzuela looks to cement his status as a legitimate champion by turning back Russell’s challenge.
Despite his words, Valenzuela will need to prove he can handle the relentless pressure and power that Russell brings. Russell, on the other hand, has the chance to show that he deserves this opportunity by taking out the man who dethroned “Pitbull” Cruz.
Will Valenzuela’s confidence translate into dominance, or will Russell prove that he was underestimated? We’ll find out on March 1.
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