The one thing that is unique about boxers, from the tomato cans who get pummeled around like a punching bag to the supremely gifted men who define the sport, is that, outwardly, at least, they project a great sense of confidence. Gary Russell Jr., in that regard, is no different. Russell believes implicitly in his talent and speaks easily and openly about it.
But there is a difference between Russell and about, oh, 99.998 percent of the men who box professionally for a living. When Russell talks about becoming the best fighter in the world and achieving legendary status, it?s not hard to take him seriously.
He?s hardly a big name, and he has no recognizable scalps on his resume, but he?s that gifted. It?s hardly inconceivable that within a couple of years, he?ll be regarded by boxing experts the way Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are now.
The casual boxing fan will get his or her first look at Russell on Saturday when he meets veteran Leonilo Miranda in a 10-round featherweight bout in the opener of a televised doubleheader on HBO from Biloxi, Miss.
?I truly believe that if everything goes right for him, there is no limit to what he can do in boxing,? said Golden Boy Promotions matchmaker Eric Gomez, a man not prone to hyperbole. ?This guy is going to be exceptional.?
Russell is arguably the game?s best prospect. What?s not in dispute is that he has the sport?s fastest hands, and that?s saying something with guys like Mayweather around.
Russell appeared to be standing still in front of Eric Estrada on July 23 in the ring at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. But because the arena was nearly empty, a familiar sound ? ?Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!? ? resonated around the building.
It was the sound of Russell?s blindingly quick combinations bouncing off Estrada?s head.
Russell (17-0, 10 KOs) may not make it, because more prospects fizzle than fulfill their promise, but if he doesn?t, it?s not going to be because he lacks the physical gifts. He has those, in abundance.
