Russell returns on January 22

January 22 WBC World Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. (31-1, 18 KOs) is set to return to the ring on Showtime after a nearly two-year layoff. The rival of the American will be Mark Magsayo (23-0, 16 KOs).

The last time the American boxed was in February last year, beating Tugtsogt Nyambayar on points. In the spring, negotiations were underway for a fight between Russell and Ray Vargas, but in the end the fight did not take place.

This will be Magsayo's first title fight of his career. The Filipino will perform for the sixth time in front of the American audience.