Gary Russell Jr: I Want To Dominate at 126 - Then I'll Go To 130

By Miguel Rivera

Once WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. overcomes the upcoming defense against Colombian contender Oscar Escandon, he then plans to target all of the world champions at 126 - with a clear goal to unify the titles. Escandon, who holds the WBC's interim-belt, is the mandatory challenger.

Russell (27-1, 16 KOs) wants to get his hands on WBO champion Óscar Valdez, WBA 'regular' champion Ábner Mares, IBF champion Lee Selby, and the winner of the upcoming WBA 'super' title fight between Leo Santa Cruz and Carl Frampton.

Despite his lack of activity, Russell does not feel impatient, because in 2017 he intends to clean up the featherweight division before moving up in weight to invade the booming scene at 130 pounds.

"I feel like I'm the best 126 pounder in the world. The division is good, there are a lot of quality opponents, and everyone is giving 100 percent and pushing themselves to the limit. It's encouraging to know there are competitors out there," Russell said to ESPN Deportes.

"I think there are big things coming. I've been patient but important things are coming up. We can do unifications with Valdez, with Mares, Carl Frampton or Leo Santa Cruz - although I must take care of the mandatory fight I have with Óscar Escandon."

Regarding his plans for the future, Russell said he might focus on climbing up to 130 pounds as long as there are major bouts, but before that he wants to clean up the featherweight division and he still has no trouble making the weight.

"Eventually I'm going up to 130 pounds to chase the big fights, but first I want to dominate the [featherweight] division. I have no problem making 126 pounds, hard work always gives results and there are still a lot of fights that fans want to see."

Russell has been out of the ring since last April, when he knocked out Patryck Hyland in Connecticut in two rounds.