Russell Jr. successfully defends WBC crown

Gary Russell Jr. (31-1, 18 KOs) retained his WBC Featherweight title with a  unanimous decision victory over Tugstsogt Nyambayar (11-1, 9 KOs) on Saturday night at the PPL Center, Allentown, Pennsylvania.

It was boxer versus Puncher. Nyambayar was the heavier puncher and made many of the rounds hard to call, but Russell Jr took over  in the championship  rounds, using his consummate ring generalship and swifter combinations to outwork the aggressive and harder-hitting Mongolian.

Gary Russell Jr. was too elusive, too experienced, too fast, too skillful and too smart for Tugstsogt.

All three judges saw the bout in favor of Gary Russell Jr by scores of 116-112, 117-111 and 118-110.

Russell, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, achieved  the fifth defense of the title he won nearly five years ago by knocking out Mexico’s Jhonny Gonzalez. Prior to defeating  Nyambayar he said that he’ll move up from featherweight to lightweight if he can’t land a title unification fight.

“We put the work in every day in the gym. I’m a perfectionist. We knew we had a very tough opponent and I knew he was going to bring his physical best. He had everything to gain and nothing to lose. We just focused and showed I’m one of the longest-reigning champions for a reason,” said Russell Jr.

“It wasn’t my night. He was the better man tonight. I didn’t do my work the way I was supposed to. He is a great champion who fought a great fight. I made a mistake by waiting for him during the fight. I’d love the rematch if I can get it.  I want to thank the Mongolian fans for coming out tonight and I’m grateful to everyone in Mongolia.”  Nyambayar exclaimed.