Boxing

Russell Jr. successfully defends his WBC title for the sixth time.

In 2021, he won two close fights inside the distance, against Pablo Cruz (21-3) and Julio Ceja (32-4-1).

On Saturday night, Gary Russell Jr of Maryland will defend his WBC featherweight title against Filipino Mark Magsayo at the Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City.

Russell Jr (33-1; 18), who competes from the southpaw position, earned the WBC title by stopping Johnny Gonzalez in the fourth round on February 8, 2020.

In his final bout in February 2020, he successfully defended the belt against Patrick Hyland (tko 4), Oscar Escandon (tko 7), Joseph Diaz (pts 12), Kiko Martinez (tko 5) and Tugstogt Nyambaya (pts 12).

It’s worth noting that since 2015, he’s only fought once a year, with his only loss coming against Vasyl Lomachenko on June 21, 2014, in a bout for the vacant WBO featherweight title.

Masayo, who is ranked No. 2 by the WBC, made his pro debut on May 25, 2013, and has a 23-0:16 record.

In 2021, he won two close fights inside the distance, against Pablo Cruz (21-3) and Julio Ceja (32-4-1).

Magsayo, who will be fighting for the first time for a world title, has a 69.57 percent knockout rate, but the odds are that the champion will have the upper hand and win on points over 12 rounds.

Russell has minus 340 odds and the rival has + 270 odds, according to one betting service.

Leo Santa Cruz (WBA super), Leigh Wood (WBA secondary), Emanuel Navarette (WBO), and Kiko Martinez (WBO) are the other main organization champions (IBF).

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