Gary Antuanne Russell faced his deepest challenge in his boxing career, even though he remained untested in his most recent triumph. The unbeaten prospect dominated Jovanie Santiago from Puerto Rico, securing a stoppage after six rounds in their junior welterweight bout at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
Santiago hit the canvas in the fourth round and endured continuous punishment throughout the match, prompting the fight to be halted between the sixth and seventh rounds.
Russell aimed to compensate for lost time right from the start, not having fought since the previous February. The 2016 U.S. Olympian immediately took control against Santiago, who sought to demonstrate that his impressive performance against Adrien Broner just three months earlier was not a fluke.
It became evident within seconds that Santiago was up against a formidable opponent with high energy, unlike Broner, who was more cautious. Russell, the younger brother of WBC featherweight titlist Gary Russell Jr., displayed precision with his right jab and straight left hand from the southpaw stance. Santiago struggled to contend with the difference in hand speed, resorting to clinching once on the inside.
Russell maintained his jab in the second round, incorporating body shots into his attack. Although Santiago was momentarily halted by a body shot, he managed to overcome it and respond with a right hand. Russell persistently pursued his Puerto Rican opponent, landing a sharp left hand in the closing moments of the round.
In round three, Santiago showcased his best infighting skills with head movement inside. However, Russell managed to time his attacks, connecting with a powerful left uppercut. Santiago absorbed the shot but began to show signs of wearing down.
Round four saw Russell explode, catching Santiago with a dazzling right hook early in the frame. Although Santiago beat the referee's count, he spent the rest of the round on the defensive. Russell, aggressively active, sought to continue his trend of early finishes, but Santiago survived until the bell.
Round five marked uncharted territory for Russell in his young career. Santiago, dealing with a cut alongside his left eye, couldn't mount a significant response against Russell's straight left hand. Russell continued mixing in right hooks to the body, often following up with a left hand over the top.
By round six, Russell had Santiago in serious trouble, unleashing a flurry of power punches along the ropes. Despite weathering the storm, Santiago had to clinch to escape trouble after the onslaught. The Puerto Rican fighter barely made it to his stool before the fight was waved off, marking his second consecutive defeat as he now stands at 14-2-1 (10KOs).
Russell, with this victory, advances to 14-0 (14KOs), maintaining his perfect record without having gone to the scorecards in his professional career.
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