Events at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY build up nicely for the shortened main event. First Gary “Mr” Russell, Jr. 24-0-0 (KO 14) proved he is better than most even when he’s not feeling well. He let that slip at the pre-fight meeting with the media. Any questions Fox Sports1 announcers Barry Tompkins, Paulie Malignaggi and Bernard Hopkins about how he would perform were quickly answered. Gary demonstrated he is deserving of serious consideration in the feather and super featherweight divisions by making short work of veteran Miguel “Yaqui” Tamyo. 15-8-2 (KO13) Russell gave up height and reach, but you wouldn’t know it.
He is so smooth and such a good manager of distance that he seems always to be in range, that and the fact that Yaqui cooperated as well. Unfortunately for him, it really didn’t matter whether he tried to be aggressive, either at short range or from a distance. For Gary, Yaqui was always within range. His speed, power and accuracy were just too much for Yaqui. He would try to block the shots and counter, but it was quickly apparent he was getting beat down.
