Dice City Sports · Jul 7, 2025
Gary Russell Jr. Returns After 3 Year Hiatus
© Sarah Stier-Imagn ImagesAfter nearly three and a half years away from the ring. Former long reigning WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. (31–2, 18 KOs) is officially set to make his comeback. The supremely skilled southpaw will return on the undercard of Pacquiao vs. Barrios on July 19, facing off against Hugo Castaneda, a 23-year-old Mexican prospect.
The bout is slated for the preliminary portion of the card, giving fans an early look at Russell’s first appearance since his close majority decision loss to Mark Magsayo in January 2022, a fight that ended his nearly 7-year title reign.