Russell Jr Confirms Stevenson Talks But Questions Offer

Gary Russell Jr confirmed he is in active negotiations to fight Shakur Stevenson but says the financial terms haven't lined up yet.

Russell Jr posted on social media that his team has been pushing for the matchup and disputes recent reports about the money on the table. "We are 110% in negotiation to try to make this fight with Shakur Stevenson," he said, per Bad Left Hook. He added that his camp originally pursued the bout before Stevenson's team indicated they wanted to go another direction.

Russell Jr Disputes Purse Figure

The former featherweight titleholder took issue with analyst Tim Bradley's claim that he turned down a $2 million offer. "It was never a $2M purse, just a FYI for everybody," Russell Jr said. He suggested Stevenson wants the fight but questioned whether the people around him are serious about making it happen, citing the gap between the figures being floated and what his side considers fair.

Russell Jr also defended his right to negotiate, pointing out that Bradley himself worked to maximize his own deals during his fighting career. "Real men don't even speak figures but that wasn't the number," he said.

Despite the sticking points, Russell Jr said his team remains committed to finalizing terms. "We are adamant about trying to make this fight happen," he said. No target date or venue has been announced.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — ‘We are adamant about trying to make this fight happen’: Gary Russell Jr in talks to face Shakur Stevenson