Gary Antuanne Russell

Early Life and Amateur Career

 

Gary Antuanne Russell, born on June 14, 1996, in Capitol Heights, Maryland, is part of the renowned Russell boxing family, with his brothers Gary Russell Jr., Gary Allan Russell III, and Gary Antonio Russell also making names for themselves in the boxing world. Growing up in such an environment, Gary Antuanne was naturally drawn to boxing from a very young age. His father, Gary Russell Sr., a strict disciplinarian and skilled trainer, played a crucial role in developing his skills and fostering a competitive spirit among the siblings.

 

As an amateur, Russell quickly distinguished himself with his speed, power, and technical prowess. His amateur career was highlighted by a rapid rise through the ranks, leading to his participation in numerous national and international competitions. One of his significant achievements came in 2015 when he won the gold medal at the National Golden Gloves, a prestigious event that attracts some of the best amateur talents in the United States.

 

Building on this success, Russell continued to excel and in 2016, he secured his place on the U.S. Olympic team. His performances in the trials and subsequent international competitions solidified his reputation as a promising young talent in the lightweight division. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Russell represented the United States with distinction, though his journey in the tournament ended in the quarterfinals, which was a pivotal experience in his amateur career, exposing him to the highest levels of amateur boxing and preparing him for the professional ranks.

 

Professional Career

 

Gary Antuanne Russell’s professional boxing career has been marked by a swift ascent through the ranks, characterized by a series of emphatic victories. Making his professional debut on May 20, 2017, at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, Russell announced his arrival in the professional circuit with a first-round TKO victory over Josh Ross. This debut set the tone for a career that has been defined by decisive wins and explosive knockouts.

 

Following his debut, Russell continued to demonstrate his prowess and power, achieving early knockouts in his subsequent bouts. By November 21, 2017, he had already secured his third professional win by a first-round TKO against Larry Yanez in St. Petersburg, Florida, showcasing his quick hands and ability to close fights early.

 

As his career progressed, Russell began facing more experienced opponents but maintained his unblemished record. On February 8, 2020, at the PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, he recorded a significant victory by knocking out Jose Marrufo in the first round, underlining his status as a rising star in the super lightweight division.

 

A major milestone in Russell’s career came on February 26, 2022, when he faced Viktor Postol, a seasoned and well-regarded opponent, at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Russell’s victory by TKO in the tenth round not only extended his perfect record but also earned him the vacant WBA Continental Americas super lightweight title. This win was a testament to his growing skill set and his readiness to compete at higher levels.

 

One of his most recent and notable victories came against Rances Barthelemy on July 30, 2022, at the Barclays Center in New York City. Russell showcased his dominance by securing a TKO in the sixth round, further solidifying his position as one of the promising talents in the division.

 

Gary Antuanne Russell’s latest victory on August 12, 2023, continued this trend. Fighting at the MGM National Harbor, he achieved a first-round knockout against Kent Cruz, maintaining his perfect knockout streak and demonstrating that his power and technical skills remain as formidable as ever.