Gary Russell Jr. and Isaac Cruz Set for Late Summer Showdown

Gary Antuanne Russell is expected to face Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in a highly anticipated bout this coming August or September, according to Salvador Rodriguez of ESPN Knockout. Potential fight dates being discussed include August 22 and September 5, with Las Vegas as the likely venue.

Russell, who boasts a record of 19 wins and 1 loss with 17 knockouts, will be defending his WBA super lightweight title against Cruz, who has a record of 28 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws. Cruz holds the WBC interim championship in the same weight class and has previously held the WBA title at 140 pounds, in addition to being a challenger at 135 pounds.

The 29-year-old Russell last fought on February 21, successfully overcoming a tough challenge from Andy Hiraoka to maintain his title, which he claimed from Jose Valenzuela in 2025. Should this matchup occur in 2026, it would mark the first time since 2022 that Russell has competed twice within a single year.

Cruz, age 28, is coming off a controversial draw against Lamont Roach Jr. in December, where many believed Roach deserved the victory. The fight ended in a split decision, with two judges scoring it 113-113, while one favored Cruz 115-111 after he knocked Roach down in the third round.

The clash between Russell and Cruz promises to be an exciting matchup, pitting Cruz's aggressive, forward-pressing style against Russell's technical prowess and knockout power. Fans are eager to see which fighter will rise to the occasion and deliver a memorable performance.

As anticipation builds, the boxing community is left wondering who will emerge victorious in this potential showdown.