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By Ryan Maquiñana - Gary Russell Jr. (16-0, 10 KOs) is one of the hottest prospects in the sport. 16 consecutive victories have resulted in a co-feature spot against Chicago’s Eric Estrada (9-1, 3 KOs) on this Saturday’s Khan-Judah card. Before that, a decorated amateur career culminated in a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team.
Prior to this string of success, however, the rising featherweight from Capitol Heights, Maryland, had to first endure the acrid taste of defeat.
“I know what it feels like,” the 23-year-old recalled, a tinge of wistfulness in his tone. “I lost my very first fight when I was seven.”
After incurring a loss like that, a lot of kids his age would have waffled through their fourth different sport by the end of the week. Not Gary.
“Oh my goodness, it struck a chord with me when I lost that first fight,” the 126-pounder said, shaking his head. “I was so motivated from that point on, I didn’t even want to go to the playground. I just wanted to be at the gym and never feel like that again.” [Click Here To Read More]
Prior to this string of success, however, the rising featherweight from Capitol Heights, Maryland, had to first endure the acrid taste of defeat.
“I know what it feels like,” the 23-year-old recalled, a tinge of wistfulness in his tone. “I lost my very first fight when I was seven.”
After incurring a loss like that, a lot of kids his age would have waffled through their fourth different sport by the end of the week. Not Gary.
“Oh my goodness, it struck a chord with me when I lost that first fight,” the 126-pounder said, shaking his head. “I was so motivated from that point on, I didn’t even want to go to the playground. I just wanted to be at the gym and never feel like that again.” [Click Here To Read More]
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