“Gary Russell Is Sh*t”: Devin Haney, Curmel Moton, and Other Stars Divided Over Alberto Puello’s Controversial Victory Over Antuanne to Become WBC Interim Super-Lightweight Champion

Amid exciting action, flying punches, and docked points, controversy also found its way as Alberto Puello and Gary Antuanne Russell fought it out for the WBC interim super lightweight title. The boxing world was split in two as they debated the controversial decision and how the judges saw the fight. While Puello bagged the win and the ticket to face Devin Haney next, many believed he didn’t deserve to get his hand raised.

Notably, Puello, 29, edged out Russell on the judges’ scorecards, with two scoring it in his favor at 115-112, 114-113. But one judge awarded it to Russell at 118–109. These wide differences in points, along with a point deduction for Puello, drew scathing criticism and angry reactions from the pros and fans.

Controversies: mar and robbed Gary Antuanne Russell

After initial slow and close rounds, Russell had the fight in control with his aggression and explosive punches. His risk-taking approach, coupled with his higher output and relentless pressure, marked the initial rounds. Puello, on the other hand, relied on his left to counter and do damage. However, he failed to back it up with anything else and also occasionally resorted to clinching.

The referee even penalized Puello in round 9 for holding and disrupting the action without any prior warning. He only appeared to seize the championship rounds, as Russell dominated most of the fight with his aggression and zeal to extend his knockout streak. However, the judges differed and handed Puello a split decision win.

Pros blast officiating at Alberto Puello vs. Gary Antuanne Russell

A fan pointed to Puello’s point deduction and expressed their baffled reaction. The norm is that a warning comes first, followed by another warning, and then a point deduction. They even contested that there was no “excessive holding.”

Haney turned to his X handle and shared his candid opinion of Gary Antuanne Russell. The WBC champion made a parallel with Russell’s elder brother, Gary Russell Jr., who held the featherweight title for 7 years. ‘The Dream’ wrote, “Garry Russell is sh*t.. his older brother was nice but he sum dog sh*t.”

Jamel Herring lauded Russell, who last fought in August 2023 and appeared sharp and his usual aggressive self. He noted, “Glad to see Russell back in the ring, and he’s sharp right now.”

Rosie Perez also failed to come to terms with Puello bagging the win. The Hollywood star expressed her bewilderment and extended her respect to Russell, who found himself on the short end of the straw.

Jamaine Ortiz also failed to see the rationale behind Puello’s point deduction and vented his frustration at bad officiating. He declared, “No reason for a point deduction from Puello.”

When a fan argued that Russell would stop Haney, the latter sent a harsh message to the fan. Haney hit back at the fan and announced, “I’ll stop u.”

Lastly, Curmel Moton disclosed how he saw the fight, and he gave the first 5 rounds and the latter rounds of 9-11 to Russell. So, he wondered how Puello got away with the win, especially after the referee docked a point, too.

What do you make of this exciting fight between Alberto Puello and Gary Antuanne Russell? Do you believe Puello had done enough to bag the win? Let us know in the comments below.