Gary Russell Jr. Defends His WBC Title For The Third Time!

(Photos by Daniel Cork)

In the twelve-round championship main event bout Gary Russell Jr. won by unanimous decision over mandatory challenger Joseph Diaz Jr. to defend his featherweight world title on Saturday at the MGM National Harbor.

Russell Jr. opened the fight by using his jab and going down to work on Diaz's body. Russell continued in the second round as he fired combinations that connected on Diaz and forced him back. 

Diaz came right back, working to the body of Russell and landing some heavy punches. Diaz had few answers as Russell continued to put his punches together to finish each round strong. 

By Round ten, Russell was well ahead on the scorecards but continued to land successfully on Diaz, who kept coming forward. When Diaz tried to apply pressure Russell landed his jab and followed with combinations to the body and head. Two judges scored the bout 117-111, and a third had it 115-113, all for Russell.

Russell is now (29-1, 17 KO's) while Diaz gets his first defeat and now is (26-1, 14 KO's). 

Post fight quotes:

GARY RUSSELL Jr.

"I hurt my right hand in the second or third round, so we had to make the adjustments. He couldn't get past my jab. When he got close, we made sure to smother him. Then we reset and got back on the stick.

"We train to survive those body shots. We put the work in every day in the ring. We consistently grind and push ourselves to be great. We push ourselves to the limit.

"I was disappointed in my performance, because I wasn't planning on going the distance. I hurt the right hand, but I still had to use it, because he could not get past my jab. 

"The jab definitely dictated everything I did. My speed offset everything he tried to do coming forward.

"We want a unification. We want to unify this division, or we're moving up in weight for another title. I want another belt."

JOSEPH DIAZ JR.

"The game plan was to break him down with the body shots and start attacking him more in the later rounds. But I started attacking him too late. I didn't pick it up until the 8th or 9th round. Gary Russell Jr. is a tremendous fighter and he did a great job keeping me at bay. I needed to start in sixth round.

"He was throwing a lot of pitter patter jabs to keep me at bay. He was trying to keep me guessing and make sure I had to think about coming in. Overall it was a good learning experienced and I'll definitely be back.

"I had a feeling he would try to stand with him and give the fans a knockout. I didn't think he would move quite as much as he did. 

"He wasn't hurting me with any shots. He was just very fast. It was keeping me guessing. When he threw combinations, I wasn't able to set my shots. I was a little bit hesitant. 

"This will just make me a hungrier fighter. I hope I got the respect of a lot of fight fans. I wanted to become champion against the best featherweight fighter in the world. Tonight wasn't my night but I'm going to bounce back harder and I'll be champion soon."

Immanuwel Aleem Back To Winning Ways With Stoppage At The MGM National Harbor!

(Photos by Daniel Cork)

In the non televised portion of the undercard of Russell Jr. vs Diaz Jr., Richmond, VA super middleweight Immanuwel Aleem wins by TKO over Juan Carlos DE ANGEL of Barranquilla, Columbia.


The scheduled ten-round bout started slow, but it was Aleem who became stronger in the middle rounds. Aleem looked to get stronger as he landed a left hook that sent Juan Carlos to the canvas in round four. Aleem did much of the same as he continued to land his jab and some hard body shots. 

Carlos started to complain about getting hit behind the head, but the referee clearly made it known that he was turning into those shots. Aleem added more pressure in the fifth and sixth rounds when he kept landing solid head and body shots to close the rounds out. With the completion of round six, Carlos did not answer the bell for the start of round 7. 

Immanuwel Aleem improves to (18-1-1, 11 KO's) while Juan Carlos falls to (20-9-1, 18 KO's).

Gary Antuanne Russell Knockout Streak Continues!

(Photos by Daniel Cork)

The youngest fighting Russell brothers, Gary Antuanne Russell of Capitol Heights, MD made quick work of his opponent Wilmer Rodriguez of Santo Domingo, DR. 


Form the start of the first-round Russell put his fast hands to work by landing a hard left to the head of Rodriguez to sens him to the canvas. Rodriguez beat the eight count but Russell backed him into the ropes and landed another left hook that dropped Rodriguez for the final time. The referee counted Rodriguez out at 1:54 of the first-round.

Gary Antuanne Russell remains undefeated at (6-0-6 KO's) and Rodriguez falls to (9-3, 7 KO's)

Post fight quotes from GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL:

"It's my hometown and I expect my hometown to be behind me and support me. This was a great experience competing here at MGM National Harbor. It was electric. It wasn't my first time, but it always feels like home. 

"It fills my heart up to be able to excite my hometown fans and give something back to all of them.

"I have no scars or bruises, it was quick and fast, so whatever my coach says, I'll follow his lead. I followed his instructions tonight and executed. 

"As a fighter I have to have a strong mental foundation. I wasn't worried about how my opponent came into this fight, just that I was at my peak. With that focus, I was able to get the job done."

Cobia "Soldier" Breedy Remains Undefeated With Win AT The MGM National Harbor In Oxon Hill, MD!

(Photos by Daniel Cork)

Tonight at the GM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD, Clinton, Md's Cobia was in his first featherweight bout. He defeated Christopher Matin of Chula Vista, CA by unanimous decision in a six-round contest.


In this bout Breedy looked very impressive while coming down from fighting at 130 and 135 pounds throughout his career. He maintained his power and looked much faster as a featherweight. He was able to out jab Martin in every round. Breedy also fought very well on the inside where he landed some great body shots. Martin looked to tire as Breedy kept up the pressure and finished the final round by landing more jabs and body shots. All three judges saw the bout the same and scored the contest 60-54 all for Cobia Breedy. 

Breedy stays perfect at (11-0, 4 KO's) while Martin is now (30-10-3, 10KO's).

Gary Antonio Russell Dominates Jonathan Lecona By TKO!

(Photos by Daniel Cork)

Tonight at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD one of the three Russell brothers, Gary Antonio Russell was in a scheduled six-round bantamweight contest against Jonathan Lecona. 

Russell's speed and power showed throughout the contest. In the first-round Russell landed a hard body shot that sent Lecona down for the eight count. In every round after the knockdown it was the speed of  Russell that allowed him to continue his dominating performance. 

In round four Russell landed a combination of shots to send Lecona into the ropes and once again to the canvas at the end of the round. Russell saw that Lecona was hurt at the close of the forth round and jumped back on him at the beginning of the fifth by landing another combination of shots causing the referee to stop the bout at 16 seconds for the TKO victory. 

Gary Antonio Russell is now (11-0, 9 KO's) and Jonathan Lecona falls to (17-20-4, 6 KO's).

Post fight quotes from GARY ANTONIO RUSSELL:

"I felt as though I showed some versatility, but I could have made it an even easier fight from the inside and the outside. He didn't have the skill that I have. 

"I thought the jab and body shots were effective. He was a crafty fighter who tried to do little things such as turn his back and turn his head to try to get me to hit him in an illegal spot. I was astute enough to not throw at those times. 

"Game plan is always to touch him at any opening. Body or whatever is available. He wanted to stay on the ropes and I was happy with that. It made him an easier target.


"I'm ready to get back in the ring as soon as possible. We're in the gym 24/7 and staying as active as possible."

Brandon Quarles Gets Fifth-Round TKO Win At The MGM National Harbor!

(Photos by Daniel Cork)

Brandon Quarles of Alexandria, VA put on a outstanding performance as he stopped Fidel Monterrosa in the fifth-round of a scheduled six-round middleweight bout. During the opening two rounds of the contest it was an even exchange of punched between both fighters. Quarles was able to get the upper hand when his body attack started to show their effects on Monterrosa. In round five Quarle kept attacking the body and it paid off when he sent Monterrosa to the canvas. Monterrosa beat the eight count but Quarled jumped back on his causing Monterrosa to turn his back. The referee stepped in to stop the contest at 2:01of roun d five. 

Brandon Quarles improves to (19-4-1, 10 KO's) while Fidel Monterrosa falls to (38-18-1, 30 KO's).

Reuben Simmons Victorious Over Ayron Davis!

(Photos by Daniels Cork)

In the opening bout on the undercard of Russell Jr. vs Diaz Jr. tonight at the MGM Nation Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD, Reuben Simmons of Lynchburg, VA got a TKO victory after completing the first-round of the bout. The doctor stopped the contest because of a head injury Ayron Davis suffered during the round.

Simmons remains undefeated at (3-0, 2 KO's) while Davis falls to (0-2).

Weights from The MGM National Harbor In Oxon Hill, MD!

WBC FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP - 12 ROUNDS

Gary Russell Jr. 125.5 lbs

Joseph Diaz Jr. 126 lbs

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS - 6/8 ROUNDS

 Cobia Breedy 128.2 lbs  vs  Christopher Martin 128.4 lbs

MIDDLEWEIGHTS - 10 ROUNDS

Immanuwel  Aleem 163.6 lbs vs. Juan De Angel 169.4 lbs

BANTAMWEIGHTS - 6 ROUNDS

Antonio Russell 118.6 lbs vs. Jonathan Lecona 119.2 lbs

MIDDLEWEIGHTS - 6 ROUNDS

Brandon Quarles 157.8 lbs vs. Fidel Monterrosa 160.6 lbs

Jr. WELTERWEIGHTS - 6 ROUNDS

Antuanne Russell 137.2 lbs vs. Wilmer Rodriguez 142.8 lbs

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS - 4 ROUNDS

Reuben Simmons 166.8 lbs vs. Ayron Davis 172.6 lbs 

******************************************************************

(Photos by Daniel Cork)

The card will begin at 6:30 PM ET with the main event starting at 10:05 PM Live on SHOWTIME.

Gary Russell Jr. vs. Joseph Diaz Jr. Final Press Conference Quotes!

Featherweight World Champion Russell Jr. Battles Unbeaten Challenger Diaz Jr. Saturday, May 19 Live on SHOWTIME

Today from the MGM Nation Harbor, Capitol Heights, MD WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. and undefeated top contender Joseph "JoJo" Diaz Jr. came together for the final press conference two days before they enter the ring May 19 live on SHOWTIME (10:05 p.m. ET/PT) in the main event for Russell's WBC title at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Gary Russell Sr. and Joseph Diaz Sr., the fathers and trainers of both fighters joined their sons on stage during the press conference. 

Here is what everyone had to say:

GARY RUSSELL JR.

"We're 120 percent ready for fight night. We're hungry. As long as I have this strap, nobody is walking in here and taking it. I know Diaz is going to bring his best to the table, but we're ready. The strap is staying at home.

"Me and my little brothers Gary Antuanne and Gary Antonio are on the undercard and they're going to show the work they've been doing. Our dad's birthday is the day after the fight so you know we have to make it special for him.

"It's cool that both me and 'JoJo' are trained by our fathers. Because at the end of the day, when you look at your coach, that's your last line of defense. When everything else goes wrong, you have to go the corner. You have to have a level of trust and belief in your corner, so who better to have than a parent there?

"It's difficult for me to know if 'JoJo' is my toughest opponent since Vasyl Lomachenko because I never train with a lot of worry about my opponents. I think that the biggest thing is preparing myself to the best of my ability and being the best that I can possibly be.

"I believe in my ability to make the necessary adjustments, no matter what my opponent brings to the ring. If he wants to come in and box, we are equally as comfortable boxing long ranged as we are making the fight rugged. In order to be great at anything, you have to have a level of versatility. That's something I bring to the table that a lot of fighters don't bring.

"Diaz worked his way up the ranks to get this fight. He did everything you have to do to get in position to fight for a world title. He's already mentioned that I'm the best fighter in the division and he knows that all the other champions in the division are afraid to step up and compete against me.

"Any fighter who has two months or more to prepare for one opponent is definitely dangerous. We never overlook anyone. I believe in my hand speed, my punching power, my ring generalship and in my ability to make adjustments.

"If we can get through this bout, I would love to get in the ring and unify with any of the other featherweight champions. The timing is perfect right now for any of these unification fights. If they still don't want it, I'm willing to move up in weight to meet any of the guys who have a name. It's time to make it happen.

"I take my hat off to him and to his team for having the guts to step into the ring. There are only certain people who can be made for this sport and it speaks volumes about him as an individual. I don't expect anything less than a worthy opponent.

"It's a pleasure being here for this fight right near my hometown. We had a very long training camp and everything is feeling good heading into the fight."

JOSEPH DIAZ JR.

"It's right here and around the corner. I'm very excited for the moment to be here. I've been waiting for this my whole entire life and I'm not going to take anything for granted. I trained extremely hard for this fight.

"I absolutely think Gary is overlooking me. I think he underestimated me. I've trained for this my whole entire life. This opportunity has been presented to me by my hard work and it's really the opportunity of a lifetime. I can't wait to show everybody my skills and what I'm truly about.

"It's all about timing. Gary has the fastest hands in boxing but we've watched a lot of tape and we see a lot of flaws. Every fighter has flaws. We're just going to capitalize on what we see and take full advantage on Saturday night.

"I don't think Gary having not fought since last year will be any kind of advantage. I want Gary Russell Jr. to be at his best come fight night. I know that I'm at my best and the best man should win on fight night. There shouldn't be any excuses after this fight and after I win the title.

"I believe after I win this title on Saturday night that I'll be on top of the throne in the featherweight division. Hopefully I can get some big fights soon after that.

"I'm prepared for everything he's going to offer. He's going to come out and box a little bit and look to use his jab, create angles and use his speed to keep me out of range. It's going to come to the point where he's not going to want to move as much and he'll starting fighting on the inside. That's where I want to be. We're going to deliver some great blows and may the best man win.

"I know what Gary Russell Jr. brings to the table. I know he's the toughest fighter in the division but I'm ready to go out there and bring back the WBC title. I'm ready to fight the best and unify all the titles.

"It's going to be fireworks on Saturday night. I've had a perfect training camp and I'm on weight. Everything feels great and I can't wait to step into the ring.

"I'm ready for anything. If it stops early or goes the distance, I'm going to keep pushing each round more than the last.

"It would mean everything to win this world title. Not just for myself, but for my whole family. All the hard work and struggles that we've been through, it's finally here. I'm going to do everything I can to come out victorious. Our lives are going to change and I'm going to inspire the youth and the people around me. I want people to know that if you put your mind to it, anything is possible."

GARY RUSSELL SR., Russell's Father & Trainer

"The reason for the inactivity is just politics. We always have the intention on fighting but we want to find the best opponent for Gary. 'JoJo' is the mandatory so we're going to fight him and after we get this win, we're looking at Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Carl Frampton. We want to unify.

"Before Gary retires from the sport, he'll move up and do whatever it takes to get a rematch with Lomachenko.

"We like to say that this is just Gary's occupation. He gets paid to fight and he's able to support his family because of that. All of the accolades don't really mean anything to him or to us. The WBC belt is definitely the most prestigious, but like Gary said, we're not really into the little trinkets. He would take it to the pawn shop if he could. We're not really into those type of accolades. We just want to conduct ourselves as gentlemen, set an example and get paid."

JOSEPH DIAZ SR., Diaz's Father & Trainer

"It's a blessing to be in this position. I really believe that god didn't bring us this far only to bring us this far. I really think the journey is going to continue. I'm very proud of my son. He has worked really hard and has shown a lot of will and determination. It means the world to me that he's pursuing his career and is doing something that he loves doing.

"It's exciting to finally have a fight on the east coast. It's beautiful out here. Joseph has been wanting to fight out here and now he has that opportunity to meet some of the fans he has out here that he hasn't had the chance to meet.

"Russell Jr. is a fast fighter. He's skilled and he's smart in there. We've been working on Joseph's timing. Joseph's a little deceiving because he kind of moves a little slow but he's actually much faster than people think he is. The speed of Russell doesn't affect us at all. Joseph has sparred and fought fast fighters especially in the amateurs.

"The plan is to go in there and beat Gary Russell up. And we're hoping this win sets up bigger and better fights with the Santa Cruz and the Selby's of the world. All of the champions. We're hoping to get some of those opportunities because it will bring a lot of attention to the boxing world. Joseph will be a very good ambassador for the sport of boxing."

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Events Programming, Showtime Network Inc.

"We're thrilled to be here at MGM National Harbor. MGM is an incredible brand that means a lot in boxing. It is a brand that is known throughout the sport at the highest level and we appreciate the entire MGM organization and their support for the sport.

"Gary Russell Jr. vs. 'JoJo' Diaz which is an outstanding matchup. Gary is without questions one of the most skilled-if not the most skilled fighter in any division. He's known for having the fastest hands in the sport. 'JoJo' Diaz is a young rising star who I've known personally since he turned pro. These are two action fighters. They're fan-friendly fighters who will deliver an action packed night.

"It's been an interesting couple of weeks in boxing. A lot of announcements, new ventures and big promises. But here at SHOWTIME we just keep doing what we've been doing, and what we've been doing is delivering the best fighters, the biggest fights, week after week and month after month.

"SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is the home of more world champions and more world championship fights than anywhere on any other network. Speaking of title fights, we're going to have three of them, from three different countries. At 5 p.m. ET streaming on the SHOWTIME Facebook and Social Media platforms, we have IBF Featherweight Champion Lee Selby against challenger Josh Warrington. At 10:05 p.m. ET, we will have Russell Jr. vs. Diaz Jr. for the WBC Featherweight title, and immediately following that we'll take you to Toronto for a light heavyweight world title fight between Adonis Stevenson and Badou Jack.

"All six of these fighters competing in Saturday's world title fights are ranked in the top 10 of their division and have a combined record of 157 wins with only four losses."

PETE BRASCIA, Senior VP of Marketing & Operations, MGM National Harbor

"We're very excited to welcome these fighters and everyone involved in this event, back to MGM National Harbor. One year ago I was on a similar stage as we prepared for Gary Russell Jr. to defend his world title, and he did not disappoint his fans.

"The fans here in Prince George's County and the whole region love a good show and a good fight. They love it even more when they can root on their hometown hero. Saturday night, will be no different.

"This will be an incredible show between Gary Russell Jr. and the undefeated Olympian 'JoJo' Diaz. I'm hoping for good weather Saturday night, but I'm certain we're going to get a good show."


Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Golden Boy Promotions, are on sale now and are available by visiting http://mgmnationalharbor.com/.