Keeping Track: Gary Russell Jr. vs. Martinez

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

“Kiko” Martinez is ranked third on the 126 pounds’ division by the WBC, while Russell JR. has proven to be a solid champion and the best of his division.

The WBC recognizes the professionalism of both fighters and their respective teams, as they have complied with all the medical requirements, examinations and safety protocols required.

One of the main priorities of the World Boxing Council is the total implementation of the new Weight Control Program, which aims to protect the health of combatants.

For the weigh in of 30 days, the boxers must not be  more than 10% of the limit of their division, for the 14 days they must not exceed more than 5% and for the 7 days 3%.

* The fighters must be weighed in the dressing room of the arena where the fight will take place. Although it is an unofficial weigh in, it must be done to monitor that the established percentage is not exceeded. This is done with the intention of taking care of the integrity of the boxers.

We greatly appreciate the dedicated work of William Boodhoo, who is responsible for promptly following up on all of these  requirements.