"The embarrassment is just going to keep growing over this," Laura Harth, the campaign director at Safeguard Defenders, told Newsweek. When Russell squares off against Magsayo, his father/trainer, Gary Russell Sr., will work his sons corner and shout instructions from the venue floor because his left foot was amputated last month due to complications from type 2 diabetes. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Zenger: You're always so cool, calm and collected for your fights, but we see you get a little animated when your brothers are fighting. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing. Roughly two weeks ago, Russell Jr.s younger brother, Gary Boosa Russell, passed away due to an unexpected heart attack. I'm making sure I can give them the jewels that's necessary for the path that pops had for them. Boosa was just 25 when he died from a heart attack in December 2020. Russell Jr: Its funny because thats how its always been. I wish I had more time with my younger brother. It has taken Gary Russell Jr., boxings longest-reigning champion, more than a year to feel somewhat at ease when the 33-year-old champion drives down the street now named after his late brother. We're solid, man. Gary Russell Jr. will fight for the first time Saturday night since his brothers death 13 months ago. We run together, we swim together, everything we do is together as a unit.". Head Bussin Boxing 15.7K subscribers 5.5K views 9 Gary Antonio Russell, 27, will clashwith Jesus Martinez in bantamweight action and Gary Antuanne Russell, 23, will faceJose Marrufo in a junior welterweight scrap both further down the card. Despite consistently calling for those showdowns to be made, Russell Jr.s request has yet to come true which has ultimately left him on the sidelines year after year. Regardless of what I've been through or what we've been through, I can be irritated, frustrated, have a bad day, and my father would know if I'm going through something. gtag('config', 'UA-160618588-3',{'custom_map': {'dimension1': 'story_id'},'story_id': '74122'}); CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Md. In just a few more days, the official answer to that question will be seven years. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Roughly two weeks ago, Russell Jr.s younger brother, Gary Boosa Russell, passed away due to an unexpected heart attack. And I felt that was beneath my younger brother. His death adds to the responsibility of Jr., who is determined to keep the name and the fighting careers of his brothers alive. Gary Jr. explained to Zenger how the family is moving forward. Gary Russell Jr. will be under the bright lights of the PPL Center in Allentown, Pa., on Saturday night well before putting his WBC featherweight title on the line against mandatory challenger Tugstsogt Nyambayar. "I'll be working my younger brothers' corners before my fight and of course I'll be competing right after, Russell told Sporting News. He wasnt here in the flesh, but I definitely felt his energy and aura all around us that night.. Zenger: Seeing Antuanne in the gym every day and seeing his progression as a fighter and a young man, what are you expecting on fight night? I could see that happening as well in the future. Look at Jo Jo Diaz, he became a world champion by beating Tevin Farmers ass good. Be respectful and come chat with us. It was the first fight we had without my father being in the corner, said Russell Devaun Drayton, a promising boxer who was one of Gary Russell Sr.s 11 children, was just 17 years old when he was murdered in March 2004 in Washington, D.C., their hometown. "Theres never been three brothers to hold a title on the same card or just three brothers as world champions. Gary Russell Jr. still applauds the resolve the bantamweight contender displayed by going through with the Payano bout. How will he do this Saturday? Unfortunately, in May 2022, the captain of the ship, Gary Russell Sr., the man responsible for his sons getting into boxing and all bearing the same name, passed away. "There's an order to which things go,"Gary Antonio affirmed. And he said, You know, bruh, I wanna fight. "Me, I'm more open. As far as mentally, I'm more focused on my younger brothers. Whoever my next opponent is it doesnt matter., EP 52: Heather Hardy and Ronica Jeffrey on Women Boxing, Gervonta Davis-Ryan Garcia Fight Brings In Over A Million Pay Per View Buys, Gervonta Davis: "It Was Fun While It Lasted", Boxing Insider Presents Broadway Boxing on DAZN Featuring Brian Ceballo Thur Night, BoxingInsider and DiBella Entertainment Present "Broadway Boxing" on DAZN April 27, Shakur Stevenson: "Im Ready To Fight Whoever". Im still dealing with it, Gary Russell Jr. said. Matchups against the likes of Leo Santa Cruz, Josh Warrington, Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis have been on the forefront of Russell Jr.s mind. "By the time my younger brothers get to the point that I am in my career," Saturday's headliner, "Mr." Gary Russell, said, "I expect for them to be better than I am. When contacted by phone Thursday afternoon, Gary Russell Jr. said his family was struggling to cope with news of the arrest. Gary Russell Jr belongs to the Afro-American ethnicity and is of American Nationality. Russell whose bout will be televised live on Showtime, with the main card beginning at 9 p.m. attributes his dearth of opponents to higher-profile fighters avoiding him. Promoted By University of Maryland Capital Region Health, Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Gary Russell Jr., the WBC featherweight champion boxer, was devastated when was unable to compete in the Beijing Olympics. We get to a certain age, we want to do what we want to do. The acclaimed coach tragically passed away due to complications from Type 2 Diabetes on May 23. Russell has gone through a lot of tragedy in his life. And he said, You know, bruh, I wanna fight. TM & 2023 BoxingScene.All Rights Reserved. McLeod, of Southeast D.C., was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Gary Sr. has been in his sons corner for every bout since Gary Jr.s pro debut in 2009. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. Unfortunately I cant get it back. Gary Russell Jr. and brothers striving to triple-headline card as world champions someday soon. Gary Antonio Russell: Fights on for his late brother Sub Lead 11-Aug-21 by Lem Satterfield "When you fall on your knees, you bleed, but, eventually, it scabs up and The gym is definitely our sanctuary. Russell, who is the eldest of three active fighting brothers, was largely happy with how things played out. Im so frustrated, hurt I got so many different emotions going on and I got it all bottled up. "Honestly, I could say a year, I could say a couple of months,"he said of when he and Gary Antonio could join their oldest brother in holding world titles. I like to have fun, fun. However it is not entirely confirmed what religion the American professional boxer follows. It shows you that time waits for no one, Russell said. Zenger: You had the shoulder injury in the [Mark] Magsayo fight, and are now dealing with the loss of your father. And I know my brothers with me. That very night he posted a video on Instagram showing and thanking the people who came to support him and his family during a difficult time. In addition to managing his career while his father was receiving treatment, Russell also bore much of the responsibility in comforting Gary Antonio and Gary Antuanne after their brother passed away, the second time the family has buried one of its own. That process begins for the Russell family Saturday night at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. He was born on September 15, 1955 to the late James and Shirley (Marley) Smith of Snow Camp, NC. I wish I had more time with my younger brother, Gary Russell Jr. stated during a virtual press conference recently. Former WBC featherweight titleholder Gary Russell Jr. was in the corner of younger brother Gary Antuanne Russell for his sixth-round stoppage win over former two-division titlist Rances Barthelemy on the Danny Garcia-Jose Benavidez Jr. undercard at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday. I think the reason why you only see me once a year is because a lot of these fighters, managers and promoters dont feel as though its in their best interest to put their fighters in the ring with me and I refuse to water the sport down. Yet, in the case of current WBC featherweight titlist Gary Russell Jr., hes only been forced to clock in for his shift once a year. The feeling of having three Russell brothers featured on the same card never gets old. WebGary Thomas Smith, age 67, of Prospect Hill, NC passed away on April 6, 2023 at his residence. He has the ability to decide which style he wants to employ in the fight to make it work.". You have to be able to accept the information thats being given to you and then go out there and produce it. He defeated Dominican veteran Juan Carlos Payano by technical decision in a fight Showtime televised only 10 days after Boosa suddenly died. The current layoff of nearly two years is the lengthiest of Russells career, which has been marked by infrequent activity since he claimed the WBC title. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Another one of his brothers died way before his time should have been up. Russell Jr: We jumped on it. Renowned boxing trainer Gary Russell Sr. has passed away. You know, so it was mean. After a successful career singing backup for such artists as Roy Hamilton, Dionne Warwick, Elvis Presley, and Aretha Franklin, Houston embarked on a solo career, winning two Grammy Awards for her work.. Houston is the mother of singer and actress Ill be training like Im getting ready for a fight, and I dont have anything coming up! ET). Like I said, I wouldn't want a murderer lingering around, knowing that I'm his brother. This website or its third-party tools process personal data.In case of sale of your personal information, you may opt out by using the link. Gary Russell Sr. is a former boxer who trained his 11 children in the sport. He comes from good stock, he can fight. But in order to excel in anything youre doing, you have to be able to take constructive criticism. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We'd be able to make history.". I thought it would be a hell of a fight, a good fight, he has a great name, a great background. After their father Gary Russell Sr. trained four of them to compete in boxing they are all named Gary. Only Gary Antonio has fought since Gary Boosas death, and after he defeated Alejandro Santiago by a majority decision in November in Las Vegas, Russell was ringside to share an emotional family moment. In the main event, 28-year-old Gary Russell Jr. (27-1), a member of the 2008 Olympic team, is heavily favored to retain his 126-pound WBC belt against Colombian challenger Oscar Escandon (25-2). The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} By clicking submit, you agree to receive emails from Rolling Out and accept our web terms of use and privacy and cookie policy. And he came back to the corner, and he just broke down, crying. ", AddedGary Antonio: "(My dad tells us), 'There's a short window and all good things come to an end, so take advantage of it.' Gary Russells Jr younger brother, Gary Darreke Russell, died of a heart attack at the age of 26 in December. His death adds to the responsibility of Gary Jr., who is determined to keep the name and the fighting careers of his brothers alive. Fisher died after he was shot Oct. 1, 2006 on the 1100 block of 21st Street NE, less than a mile away. He was molding and prepping me without me knowing it to a certain extent. Andre Chung for The Undefeated. He just put his head in my shoulder, you know, I just held him and he was just crying and crying and crying, and he was telling me how much he misses his brother. Gary Boosa Russell was the second of Gary Russell Jr.s brothers to die young. For them to stay focused, stay on point, and still be grinding, pushing in the right direction, I get animated about that. You have to have a certain level of maturity to understand that everything is coming from a good place. The three pros Gary Russell Jr., Gary Antonio Russell and Gary Antuanne Russell have a combined I'll be training like I'm getting ready for a fight, and I don't have anything coming up! In 2004 another brother, Devaun Drayton, then 17, was fatally shot in Northeast. So that speaks volumes to the guys that Im competing against. He used boxing as a tool to keep his boys safe from the dangers of "the streets, he told Yahoo Sports in a 2014 interview. Gary Russell Jr. (31-1, 18 KOs) acknowledged during the aforementioned virtual press conference that he essentially trained himself during a recently completed training camp due to his fathers long hospital stay. Zenger: You guys have suffered so many losses outside the ring, but barely any inside the ring. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Trying to make sure they are where they need to be. Gary Russell Jr. gets in a workout while rehabbing an injured shoulder. I thought it would be a hell of a fight, a good fight, he has a great name, a great background. gtag('js', new Date()); Although the plan is for Gary Sr. to be in his usual spot on fight night, its unclear whether he will be able to do so following a foot amputation stemming from Type 2 diabetes. The speedy Russell Jr., a bantamweight, was a medal favorite, but This weekend will mark the fourth time that "Mr."Gary Russell, 31, will sharethe spotlightwith his younger brothers. Unfortunately, I cant get it back. He said cold case detectives had a new witness. We train hard, work hard in the gym and we feed off each others energy,""Mr."Gary Russell said. The boxing world has lost one of its father-trainers, Gary Russell Sr., the patriarch of the fighting Russell family. Gary Boosa Russell was the second of Gary Russell Jr.s brothers to die young. Antuanne himself has a lot of mentors. All rights reserved, who competed in the 2016 Olympic Summer Games, his father Gary Russell Sr. told The Washington Post in a 2006 interview, 11-Year-Old, 15-Year-Old Brothers Missing From Bethesda, Tipped Workers See Slight Pay Increase in DC, Watch News4: Live and Replays on NBC4 App, Peacock, Roku, Samsung TV Plus & Xumo Play, Metropolitan Police Department (DC Police / MPD), Family Awaits Return of DC Mother Missing for More Than 3 Weeks, Man Dead, Teen Injured as DC Ends April With Series of Overnight Shootings, 8-Year-Old Woodbridge Girl Dies From Crash Injuries, 5 Reasons to Choose a Family Medicine Doctor. Drayton was a promising young boxer and the brother of Gary Antuanne Russell, who competed in the 2016 Olympic Summer Games, and Gary Russell Jr., who was a member of the U.S. boxing team in the 2008 Olympic Summer Games. Russell Jr: It's funny because that's how it's always been. Your email address will not be published. Gary Antuanne Russell Gary Allen Russell III Gary Boosa Russell and Gary Antonio Russell are his four brothers. He just put his head in my shoulder, you know, I just held him and he was just crying and crying and crying, and he was telling me how much he misses his brother. By Keith Idec - ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey A day doesnt pass when Gary Russell Jr. doesnt think a lot about his late younger brother, Gary Boosa You know, so it was mean. Were solid, man. Boosa Russell died outside of a friends house on the very same street where Gary Russell Jr. owns multiple properties and their parents live. Gary Russell Jr lost his brother Gary Boosa Russell on December 13 2020 to a sudden heart attack. His older brother, Gary Allen Russell Jr., was a member of the 2008 U.S. team in Beijing. He lived in Atlanta for 86 years. Stay with News4 for more on this developing story. Web1.1m members in the Boxing community. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Unfortunately, in May 2022, the captain of the ship, Gary Russell Sr., the man responsible for his sons getting into boxing and all bearing the same name, passed away. He has a closer look than everyone else. I believe that energy is transferable. Gary Russell Sr. was their father and the longtime head trainer of him and his brothers. Drayton left the D.C. public school system in May 2002 and was enrolled in The Glen Mills Schools, an all-boys boarding school system in Pennsylvania, in 2003, the Post reported. Although the 62-year-old trainer trained Russell Jr. and the rest of his kids throughout their amateur and professional careers he has been unable to attend most of Russell Jr.s training sessions for the Magsayo match in suburban Washington D.C. Gary Russell Jr is on Instagram under the username @mrgaryrusselljr with over 67K followers. Unfortunately, I cant get it back. Weve got shit weve got to work on. WebEmily "Cissy" Houston (ne Drinkard; born September 30, 1933) is an American soul and gospel singer. He was giving them a guideline for the future, his mother, Lawan, says. When my brother passed, Antonio competed, and I didnt know that he was actually gonna be able to compete. Your destination for the best boxing news, videos and live streams! The three pros Gary Russell Jr., Gary Antonio Russell and Gary Antuanne Russell have a combined record of 65-2. I was always working side by side with my father when it came to training and guiding my younger brothers. Youve got to keep your chin down and your hands up, and youve got to fire when youve got an opening. Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at [emailprotected] and you can follow him on Twitter @AnsonWainwright. He was buried with the plane ticket to his new life in his pocket. The long stretches of inactivity have never quite made sense to several inside boxing circles. But Russell remains adamant about not vacating his belt unless he is assured of fighting for a title in a heavier weight class. All rights Reserved. He comes from good stock, he can fight. Though their fighting family has grown accustomed to boxing through tragedy, it was particularly difficult for Gary Antonio Russell to box only 10 days after Boosas death. Though the deaths of his brothers rocked him to his very core he has stayed vital for his family and has grown as a man. Thats no disrespect to Jo Jo but that just goes to show the talent and skillset that Ive been going against., King Tug was a helluva fighter. SCOTUS Now Just Another Congressional Committee, Secret Chinese Police Stations in Europe Are 'Tip of the Iceberg', Trump's Attorney Just Blew Carroll Rape Case, King Charles Says Royals Require 'Acting Ability', Ukraine Will Regain 'Significant Territory' From Russia, Florida GOP Paves the Way to Help Ron DeSantis Challenge Trump. Gary Antuanne and Gary Antonio agree wholeheartedly. Where are you physically and mentally right now? I injured myself before the Magsayo fight. Russell Jr: A little, not much. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. I would like to see a Leo Santa Cruz or one of these guys fight a King Tug. Gary Russell Jr was born into a large family with five brothers to keep him company. Zenger: You guys have suffered so many losses outside the ring, but barely any inside the ring. Unfortunately, in May 2022, the captain of the ship, Gary Russell Sr., the man responsible for his sons getting into boxing and all bearing the same name, passed away. He has used Boosas death as inspiration, though, while getting through much of his training camp without his father in the gym. The Russell brother have been having fun, fun with Gary Jr. (30-1, 18 KOs) rattling off six straight victories, including four straight title defenses, since his lone loss He was born in Gastonia, NC, on December 14, 1932. You have to give it everything that you can. "I'll be working my younger brothers'corners before my fight and of course I'll be competing right after, Russell told Sporting News. And right after he held it together all the way up until they announced him as the winner. Though their fighting family has grown accustomed to boxing through tragedy, it was particularly difficult for Gary Antonio Russell to box only 10 days after Boosas death. And I felt that was beneath my younger brother. Boosa Russell died outside of a friends house on the very same street where Gary Russell Jr. owns multiple properties and their parents live. "He has a real acumen for his opponents. "Baby Boy,"he said, referring to Gary Antuanne, "I think hes the special one out the bunch. *Terms apply. Maybe that was fresh on the refs mind. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The DMV-based boxing stalwart died on Monday, May 23, at 63. So, to be able to go there now and know that everyone on the street have to change their IDs, everything else, the mail thats coming in, because it has my younger brothers nickname on it, its refreshing.. "I feel like a part of me is missing and he played a big role in my life.". TM & 2023 BoxingScene.All Rights Reserved. "Everything has an expiration on it, but memories are the only things that lastforever. Gary Antuanne Russell made his professional debut in 2017 on a card that also featured two of his older brothers, Gary Allen Russell Jr. and Gary Antonio Russell. Their fathers health has been at the forefront of Gary Russell Jr.s mind while preparing to box Magsayo (23-0, 16 KOs). "I dont want to rush them. I thought he executed the game plan, but not completely to my liking. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Gary Russell and Gary Antonio they talk when they have to talk, he said. He was born in the year 1988 to his Haitian parents in Washington D.C in the United States. How Many Gary Russells Are There? Acting Police Chief Peter Newsham said the two shootings were related, the Post reported. I know how it is, and you know how it is. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. That very night he posted a video on Instagram These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I rather face a mandatory challenger than face a regular Joe blow and knock somebody out. No matter the religion he certainly has god-given talent. I do somewhat agree the stoppage was premature, but, at the same time, its at the referees desecration to stop the fight, Russell said. Gary Antonio, he held it together the entire time, Gary Russell Jr. said. Gary Boosa Russell was the second of Gary Russell Jr.s brothers to die young. His father had to have one of his feet amputated last month owing to complications from type 2 diabetes. The mandatories are the next best guys after the champions, explained Russell Jr. The mandatories have to beat everybody in order to be the number one contender to challenge the champion for the title. His brother, Devaun, was murdered and his other brother, Gary Boosa, tragically passed away from an Unfortunately, in May 2022, the captain of the ship, Gary Russell Sr., the man responsible for his sons getting into boxing and all bearing the same name, passed The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". He had been set to move to Florida the following day to train as a boxer and escape the dangers of D.C., his father Gary Russell Sr. told The Washington Post in a 2006 interview. His older brother Devaun Drayton was murdered in Washington D.C. in 2004 and it took until 2017 for an arrest to be made. He is due in court April 19. ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey A day doesnt pass when Gary Russell Jr. doesnt think a lot about his late younger brother, Gary Boosa Russell. After Little Gary collapsed in 2008 and others fell short, Antuanne is the last hope I'm doing physical therapy right now with my arm. During the defense's cross-examination of E. Jean Carroll, Trump's attorney asked the writer why she "did not scream" when she was "supposedly raped.". I wont water the sport down by fighting a complete bum or somebody that they know Im going to beat up. Gary Russell Jr. explains to Zenger how the family is moving forward. These guys need good matchmakers, thats the difference, I dont but I would love to step into the ring more than once a year.. ET). Featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr., a D.C. native and a resident of Prince George's County in Maryland, will face challenger Oscar Escandon in the first boxing match at the new MGM National Harbor. Since Gary Boosa Russells death only Gary Antonio has fought in a ring. Hes 26 years old, hes still maturing and growing. And he competed. Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information. This story was provided to Newsweek by Zenger News. Gary Russell Jr. still applauds the resolve the bantamweight contender displayed by going through with the Payano bout. In a quiet moment after the bout, Russell shared his wisdom with baby brother. After being informed of the brothers lofty ambition and the timing put on achieving it, Gary Russell Sr. gave his two cents. I thought it was a good fight for him. The fighting Russell brothers are a force of nature. Watching them grow as fighters must be fulfilling for you. 2021 was a vicious year, man. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Section 107 of the U.S. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Copyright 2022 Rolling Out. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing. We're good. The loss of his younger brother has left him incredibly hurt, amongst other emotions. And once again, I use it as fuel, I use it as motivation. Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. All I can do is allow him to live through me at this point by continuing to be the best that I possibly can be., Nico Ali Walsh, Muhammad Alis grandson, wins pro boxing debut with a TKO, For Muhammad Alis grandson, family legacy extends beyond the ring, Claressa Shields enters a critical stretch in her quest to become a two-sport star, Local news, weather, sports, events, restaurants and more, Gary Russell Jr. misses his ailing father, mourns his brother ahead of Saturdays fight, Commanders draft class fills several needs, features plenty of value, From World Series hero to MLBs worst, Patrick Corbin keeps taking the ball, Commanders draft Illinois DB Quan Martin, Arkansas C Ricky Stromberg. Most recently he scored a unanimous decision over Tugstsogt Nyambayar on Feb. 8, 2020, at PPL Center in Allentown, Pa. Join our newsletter to get info about latest events and deals! We gotta make up for it in 2022.. The Russell brother have been having fun, fun with Gary Jr. (30-1, 18 KOs) rattling off six straight victories, including four straight title defenses, since his lone loss a majority decision defeat to Vasiliy Lomachenkoin June 2014. Zenger: Youre always so cool, calm and collected for your fights, but we see you get a little animated when your brothers are fighting. Russell Jr: Physically, Im strong. Im going to go in there and show him something hes never seen before, and well see how he reacts.. But to Russell Jr., he believes that if you simply took the time to check their track record, then you would notice that they were all worthy challengers. WebThe acclaimed coach tragically passed away due to complications from Type 2 Diabetes on May 23. Im more joyful. When Im at my parents house, it does something to me just to be on the street, Gary Russell Jr. said. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Full progression. Full progression. This article was published more than1 year ago. While waiting for one of his more attractive bouts to materialize, Russell Jr. has only made the trek to the ring in order to face his mandated title challengers. When Russell squares off against Magsayo, his father/trainer, Gary Russell Sr., will work his sons corner and shout instructions from the venue floor because his left foot was amputated last month due to complications from type 2 diabetes. 7 in The Rings 140-pound ratings. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Hes also the most outspoken of the boxers, according to Gary Antuanne himself. Besides Gary Boosa Russell all his brothers are Golden Gloves National Champions. And I know my brothers with me. "I feel devastated," Gary Antuanne Russell told News4 on Friday. Featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr., a D.C. native and a "Antonio he's deceptively strong. Me and my dad, theres just a certain level of chemistry thats just innate, and I think that right there plays a big factor, said Russell, whose hands are among the quickest in the sport. Gary Sr. battled Type 2 diabetes for years \u0026 was forced to have his leg amputated last December. I think it would be an interesting fight. "My definition of a dynasty is information being passed down.". Im a firm believer that energy is transferrable. Actually, King Tug beat the guy who Shakur Stevenson lost to in the Olympics.