Gary Antoine Russell: "I'll knock out Postol in five rounds"

Gary Antoine Russell, participant of the 2016 US Olympic Games team, will meet with the former world champion Viktor Postol in a 10-round super lightweight bout on February 26 in Las Vegas.

In the main event of the evening on Showtime, undefeated Chris "Primetime" Colbert will take on WBA Super Featherweight Champion Roger "The Kid" Gutierrez.

Russell (14-0, 14 KOs) hasn't allowed any of his opponents in the ring to go the distance since turning pro in 2017. Russell had five stoppage wins in 2019 before knocking out José Marrufo in the first round in February 2020. The last time the 25-year-old Russell dominated Giovani Santiago was in May and got a stoppage in the sixth round. Russell comes from one of the most prominent fighting families and trains alongside his older brothers, former WBC featherweight champion Gary and bantamweight contender Gary Antonio.

“I will be mentally and physically ready to perform at a high level,” Russell promised. “These fights come down to who is more mentally stable, and it's a matter of training. I train my mental abilities as well as my physical ones. I've watched Postol's fights and I know that he likes to keep his distance and that works best for him. He builds on his strengths. In every fight, I plan to declare myself. My prediction: I will finish this fight in the fifth round."

Postol (31-3, 12 KOs) returns to the ring after losing a close decision to unified champion Jose Ramirez in August 2020. After knocking out Lucas Mathysse in 2015 and winning the world super lightweight title, Postol lost the unification bout to Terence Crawford. Postol has won three of his last five fights, with the only losses in that stretch being to Ramirez and reigning undisputed champion Josh Taylor, both by decision.

“I accepted this fight as soon as it was offered to me,” Postol said. - I haven't fought for a long time and wanted to get back to the ring as soon as possible. I am especially happy that I will have the opportunity to face a good young opponent on February 26th.”