Gary Antuanne Russell Eyes Ortiz Fight After Next Wins

Russell, the WBA junior welterweight titleholder, is awaiting a first defense against mandatory challenger Andy Hiraoka. The bout has not yet been finalized. Russell and Hiraoka were previously scheduled to meet last November before the fight was canceled, leaving Russell without a confirmed date for his first defense.

“I beat him. This was a tournament out in Georgia. I got a hold of him, but I would like to see him professionally,” Russell said of Ortiz. “But first, he’s got to get through Keyshawn. I’ve got to get through this guy, Andy Hiraoka.”

Russell pushed back on the idea that a win over Ortiz would carry limited weight for Davis, describing Ortiz as a fighter who is regularly underestimated.

“For y’all to say that Keyshawn doesn’t really have no weight if he was to beat this guy, that’s a lie,” Russell said. “He’s a sleeper. This dude is a sleeper. He could fight.”

An Ortiz win would immediately change how he is positioned at 140 pounds, placing him closer to the title picture and directly into conversations with established belt holders.

Russell’s comments come days after he was placed fifth in The Ring’s updated junior welterweight rankings released on January 15. Dalton Smith moved to the top spot following his knockout win over Subriel Matias, a decision that drew criticism from fans who questioned Russell’s placement given his recent body of work.

Russell still needs a date for his mandatory defense. Ortiz still has Keyshawn Davis in front of him.