Philippines, 05 Sep 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Gary Antuanne Russell Dominates Jose Valenzuela in Near-Shutout Victory to Claim WBA 140-lb Title


PhilBoxing.com





In a scintillating co-main event of the Tank-Roach WBA championship fight at Barclays Center Saturday night (Sunday in Manila), Gary Antuanne Russell (18-1-0, 17 KOs) of Capitol Heights, Maryland, delivered a career-defining performance, dismantling Jose "Rayo" Valenzuela (14-3-0, 9 KOs) of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, to claim the WBA 140-lb title. Valenzuela, defending his belt, was overwhelmed by Russell’s relentless aggression and non-stop action, resulting in a lopsided decision with judges’ scores of 119-109, 119-109, and 120-108.

From the opening bell, Russell set a punishing pace that Valenzuela simply couldn’t match. The 28-year-old challenger smothered the champion with a high work rate, targeting both head and body with devastating combinations throughout the 12-round affair. Russell’s performance erased any lingering doubts from his sole loss to Alberto Puello, showcasing a marked improvement in skill and stamina.

Russell wasted no time in the opening round asserting dominance, pressuring Valenzuela with an aggressive start. A series of jabs and a left hand downstairs set the tone, while Valenzuela’s attempts to counter with right hooks were overshadowed by Russell’s superior output. The onslaught continued in the second round as Russell bullied Valenzuela around the ring, landing a double right and a sharp 1-2 combination. Valenzuela’s hesitancy allowed Russell to seize control of the early rounds. In round three, Russell’s consistent jab forced Valenzuela onto the back foot, a stark contrast to Rayo’s success against Isaac Cruz in prior fights. A left hand threw Valenzuela off balance, and Russell’s 2:1 punch output solidified his lead.


Russell-Valenzuela Compubox Stats.

With no respite for the champion, Russell’s relentless pace shone through the succeeding rounds that left Valenzuela reeling, unable to slow the challenger’s momentum. Valenzuela briefly found success in round 8 with a hard left hand, but Russell responded with a barrage—left uppercut, left hand over the top, and a four-left-hand flurry. The challenger’s body work further drained the champion. In round 9, Russell’s best spell of the fight came as he rocked Valenzuela with a three-punch combination and a left hand that left Rayo visibly hurt. Sensing a finish, Russell pressed forward, though Valenzuela survived the round. Russell continued to dominate in the championship rounds as Valenzuela's face brunt the mark of the punishment. Credit to the Mexican who did not go down and never surrendered.

Russell’s near-shutout performance left little doubt about his supremacy at 140 lbs. His ability to control range, tempo, and output overwhelmed Valenzuela, whose defense faltered under the constant barrage. Rayo, previously stopped by Edwin De Los Santos, showed resilience but couldn’t overcome Russell’s aggression or land enough to shift the fight’s momentum. For Russell, this win marks a triumphant rebound and a statement to the division. Valenzuela, now dethroned, faces a tough road back to contention after being thoroughly outclassed.

The Barclays crowd, buzzing from the main event pitting Tank Davis against Lamont Roach, witnessed a co-main event that will be remembered as a showcase of Russell’s potential as a future pound-for-pound star.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Iglesias vs. Shishkin: Unsigned Hype
    By Chris Carlson, , Fri, 05 Sep 2025
  • Team USA’s Path to Gold Set at 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool
    , Fri, 05 Sep 2025
  • DACS signs up with Amesco Drug
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 05 Sep 2025
  • India’s Monika Singh Battles Aliya Soomro of Pakistan for UBO Youth World 108 in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 04 Sep 2025
  • TEENAGE KICKS: WONDERKIDS LEO ATANG, ADAM MACA AND TIAH-MAI AYTON ARE READY TO LIGHT UP SUNDERLAND THIS SATURDAY
    , Thu, 04 Sep 2025
  • 150 to join Rotary Heritage Aquathlon
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 04 Sep 2025
  • Miguel Berchelt to Return in Reynosa, Tamaulipas; WBC Praises City’s Commitment
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 04 Sep 2025
  • Spicing up “Thrilla” card
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 04 Sep 2025
  • SATURDAY: Oscar Valdez vs. Ricky Medina to be Broadcast LIVE on ESPN Deportes in the United States
    , Thu, 04 Sep 2025
  • SUGAR NUNEZ: I’M JUST GETTING STARTED
    , Thu, 04 Sep 2025
  • Jennifer Lozano’s Targets Run at 2025 World Boxing Championships
    , Thu, 04 Sep 2025
  • University of the Philippines is Quezon City chess champ
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 04 Sep 2025
  • Ultimate Arm Wrestling Showdown on Sept. 7 in Digos
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 04 Sep 2025
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: Technological evolution or revolution?
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 03 Sep 2025
  • Result or Matias-Smith WBC super lightweight title match purse bid
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 03 Sep 2025
  • Vicelles fights in Japan on Sept. 7
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 03 Sep 2025
  • Yoelvis Gomez Speaks After Winning the WBA Continental Latin America Title
    , Wed, 03 Sep 2025
  • Connor Coyle sets the record straight ‘Clean from Day One. Never cheated, never will’
    , Wed, 03 Sep 2025
  • Requito stops Bambam in 3rd round
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 03 Sep 2025
  • Villarosa draws with Labajo, Enano wins
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 02 Sep 2025
  • Suarez, Magsayo Reliving High Point in PH Boxing at Super Featherweights
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Tue, 02 Sep 2025
  • Pacman back into full-time boxing
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 02 Sep 2025
  • Unbeaten Laurente Dominates Marapu to Capture IBF Pan-Pacific Lightweight Crown; Gaballo Wins in Co-Main Event
    , Tue, 02 Sep 2025
  • Thunderdome 51 Review: Perth’s Joel Lewis claims title with stunning knockout
    , Tue, 02 Sep 2025
  • Paulette Cuesta and Susy Kandy Sandoval Set for Highly Anticipated Rematch in Tijuana
    , Tue, 02 Sep 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.