Jhonny Gonzalez vs. Gary Russell – A Closer Look

Photo by Herbert Diaz

A crossroads battle takes place for the WBC world featherweight title this Saturday when seasoned veteran Jhonny Gonzalez meets talented up and comer, Gary Russell Jr at the Palms Casino Resort. While it isn’t the first time that these world class warriors wage war in Sin City, it will be the first time that both men headline an event from Las Vegas. However, the added pressure of being the main event can only enhance this intriguing match of contrasting styles when they step into the ring. The pride of Mexico, Gonzalez, seeks to add another accolade to his already impressive resume while the young and hungry Washingtonian, Russell, aims to make a name for himself off of his foe’s star power.  Here is a closer look as to what fans can expect this weekend for the Showtime headliner from inside the Palms.

Photo by Herbert Diaz

The seasoned Jhonny Gonzalez (57-8 w/48 KOs) has seen it all behind a stellar career decorated with multiple titles in multiple weight classes. An elite boxer continuing his country’s rich history of nose to the grind-style titleholders, Gonzalez has ducked neither man nor challenge since turning pro back in 1999. Nonetheless, as rare and spectacular as his record may be due to its longevity, it has come with a price. From 2006 to 2009 the pride of Hidalgo, Mexico suffered all 3 of his KO losses.  Sure it was to the best of the best , but Gonzalez’ willingness to engage in fire fights against Israel Vazquez, Gerry Penalosa and Toshiaki Nishioka could have been avoided if the gifted boxer did what he does even better than brawl; simply box.  Fortunately, that is exactly what he has done since which led to him only dropping 1 bout out of his last 18 due to a technical decision loss. The 33 year-old’s still blossoming craft inside of the squared circle propelled him to even greater heights with his stunning upset of the previously unbeaten champion, Abner Mares the summer of 2013.  Mares came into the bout a 15-1 favorite but a perfectly placed Gonzalez left hook separated Mares from his unblemished record, his title and his consciousness before the 1^stround ended.  Jhonny went on to defend his newly won WBC super featherweight belt twice in 2014 with triumphs over Clive Atwell and fellow veteran, Jorge Arce in bouts that did not got the distance.

“Mr.” Garry Russell Jr. (25-1 w/14 KOs) defines natural athleticism, hand speed and explosiveness. Traits that allowed the Washington fighter, who comes from a boxing family, to easily win the US Championships as well as the National Golden Gloves in 2005 at the age of 16. That same year the D.C. native picked up a bronze medal in the World Amateur Championships behind his slick boxing and lightning-quick hands. The inevitable came as Russell turned pro in 2009 moving on to bigger and better things. Instantly comparisons to the great “Sugar” Ray Leonard came with as much agreement as they did criticism but the young American delivered compiling a record of (24-0) rising quickly through the rankings before challenging for the vacant WBO featherweight title in 2014. Unfortunately, Russell met disappointment and heart ache in the form of an embarrassing loss to Vasyl Lomachenko at the Stubhub Center in California via majority decision where he was out worked for the bulk of the bout. He was able to bounce back with a victory in his home state of Washington over Christopher Pena by way of unanimous decision but the doubts from boxing pundits continue to linger in regards to Russell truly being the “next big thing”.  A triumph over a universally recognized opponent and current champion can surely get him back on track towards boxing super stardom.

The question is not about doubting Garry Russell Jr’s  supreme skill and gifts, the question is can he put everything together into a winning package that commands the attention of the boxing audience .  In order for Russell to hold the same notoriety throughout the sport as his foe, he will have to do so by dispatching of the man standing in front of him this weekend at the Pearl Concert Theatre with a destructive display of dominance or a technically dazzling decision to soundly hush over the naysayers.  The 26-year old has youth on his side but it will definitely be a tall order to go out and manhandle a fighter with not only a reach but also a height advantage over him. The experience factor in the ring clearly favors Jhonny Gonzalez who has travelled the boxing world showcasing his abilities under the biggest and brightest of lights. Gonzalez has not only tangled with a wide variety of opponents, but he has dispatched of all versions on countless occasions. In a match pitting youth versus experience and a veteran against a young lion, whose will is stronger? Who is going to toe the line and not give, break or budge when the pressure is on for this 12-round feather weight world title fight from the Palms Casino in Las Vegas? The answer lies somewhere in the span of 36 minutes when Gonzalez defends his crown opposite Russell in the main event of Saturday’s Showtime telecast from Sin City.