Gary Russell- May the force be with me!

WBC featherweight champion  Gary Russell JR. (29-1, 17 KOs) will defend his crown this Saturday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, against Spaniard Francisco “Kiko” Martínez (39-8-2, 28 KOs).

It`s a substantial part of card topped by WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder (40-0-1, 29 KOs) versus Dominic Breazeale (20-1, 18 KOs), in a show that will be broadcast on Showtime.

“Kiko” Martinez is ranked third in the 126 pound by the WBC. Russell Jr Has not fought since his triumph by unanimous decision over the talented Joseph Diaz.

Gary won the world crown in 2015 with a resounding victory against Jhonny Gonzalez by TKO in four rounds, at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

“I hope to send a message to everyone in my division that I am a force that must be taken into account,” Russell said. “I want to unify with Leo Santa Cruz and I will do whatever it takes to get there. I have never taken anyone lightly and I will not do it with Kiko Martinez. My fasthands, quick combinations and a great level of intelligence are in the ring.”

“Kiko” rapidly retorted: “I have waited for this opportunity to win a championship again and I feel grateful and excited for this May 18. Gary Russell is in of my way. I have a lot of experience and I feel very solid as a featherweight. There’s no better way to celebrate my 50th fight as a professional than by conquering the WBC championship. “