You know you have your back against the wall even before you step inside the boxing ring if your opponent is Gary Russell. Well, it depends on which one. All six Gary Russell brothers bear the same name, and four of them box professionally. Coming from a family that breathes boxing, Gary Antuanne Russell is the finest product, an accumulation of his father’s and his older brothers’ wisdom. The second youngest of the Russell brothers has his eyes set on WBC champion Devin Haney next, and the path goes through Alberto Puello, who is on a redemption arc of his own.

Antuanne Russell and Puello will fight it out for the interim WBC 140-pound title in a high-stakes fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on the Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin undercard on June 15. The winner will put himself on ‘The Dream’s radar, or whoever assumes the titles, and push for a challenge at the top. Before the exciting action captivates the fans this Saturday, let’s have a look at how both boxers stack up before the fight.

Gary Antuanne Russell and Alberto Puello: Tale of tape

Antuanne, at 27, is peaking in his boxing career and has an unblemished record of 17-0 to show for his hard work. The American boxer has battered and floored all his opponents, as he has collected all the wins via knockouts. His KO ratio of 100% speaks volumes about his power punching and thunderous punches. In addition, the Capital Heights native also holds a wider body frame, which he puts to use, as he stands tall at 5’10” (1.78 m) and reaches the bare skin of his opponents with a reach of 69″ (175 cm).

Meanwhile, Puello, at 29, is more experienced and has more fights under his belt. He also boasts a clean record of 22-0 with 10 KOs. Moreover, his KO ratio of 45.45% tells a contrasting story to Antuanne, as he relies on his skills and patience to grind out victories. The former WBA super lightweight champion, despite being shorter at 5’9″ (1.75 m), has long levers and carries a reach advantage of 71″ (180 cm), which has made his opponents uncomfortable.

Both boxers have spent their careers fighting in the 140-pound division, and therefore, they recorded an identical weight of 140 lbs (63.64 kg) when they stood on the scales. But that’s the extent of their differences and similarities in their stats. Both have undergone a different trajectory in recent months, and they will clash on June 15.

Recent form, momentum, and fighting style

Russell has been on a steep upward curve ever since he took on former champion Viktor Postol in 2022. The 2016 U.S. Olympian dismantled Postol over 10 rounds and pulled off a stoppage in the final round of their bout. Interestingly, Postol had gone to distance with Terence Crawford, and knocking him out raised Russell’s stocks. The surging star of the Russell family built on the success and then delivered another KO win, this time over the former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy.

Russell has shown over his career that he can absorb a shot, box, and go to war when required. The southpaw boxer’s most prudent weapon remains his wicked left hand, which found its mark in the first round of his most recent fight against previously undefeated Kent Cruz. That’s not it. He has a fast pair of hands and brutal knockout power, along with his relentless pressure, which he uses to dictate the pace of the fights.

On the other hand, Puello has had a couple of topsy-turvy years. The Dominican Republic boxer clinched the WBA gold when he defeated Batyr Akhmedov in a close encounter in August 2022. However, he would lose the title after he received a 6-month suspension for testing positive for PED, as he prepared for his first title defense against Rolly Romero in May last year. Puello would return to the ring, ending his 16-month layoff, against Ector Madera last December. ‘The Wasp’ used his trademark tools—using jabs, fighting from a distance, and landing right hooks to secure a comfortable win. But can he employ the same game plan against Russell and the title strap once again?

Prediction: Who wins it at Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin?

Despite Russell’s power and his ability to break down his opponents, he hasn’t been that active, which is required at the top level. He has only fought four times since 2020 and is on a year-long shelf period since fighting last in August 2023. Will ring rust affect him? That possibility can’t be ruled out. But apart from that, there are no holes in his game that stand out like a sore thumb. What’s more? He also remains disciplined defensively while unloading aggressive and heavy punches. That’s one skill that separates him from the rest.

Puello has an uphill battle to keep Russell at bay and not allow him to showcase his power. The San Juan native has quick movement, skills and possesses all the tools needed to turn it around. Irrespective of his lack of power, Puello can hide behind his jab, maintain a safe distance, and tag him with effective shots. But will it be enough? We will all find out.

What do you make of this coming fight between Gary Antuanne Russell and Alberto Puello? Who do you think will bag the rights to face Devin Haney next? Let us know in the comments below.