Dealing with Russell’s Explosive Energy: Valenzuela Plans to ‘Combine It Up’

WBA mild welterweight champion Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela (14-2, 9 KOs) says he thinks he’s going to have to combine up his recreation a bit by slugging and boxing in his struggle towards Gary Antuannel Russell (17-1, 17 KOs) this Saturday evening on the Barclays Heart in Brooklyn.

New York. This isn’t a struggle the place Rayo can rely upon profitable by being as defensive as he was in his conflict towards Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz final yr. Russell is simply too good for Valenzuela to make use of one technique.

Rayo, 25, says he’d prefer to struggle Shakur Stevenson if he’s victorious. He feels that might be a very good take a look at for him as a result of he’s laborious to hit. He notes that Shakur has been having issues getting opponents, however he’s prepared to struggle him. Nevertheless, Stevenson would want to maneuver as much as 140, and he may not be prepared to try this. Shakur’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, would possible reject the thought of him preventing Rayo as a result of it’s too dangerous.

“I’m going to have to combine it up. I’m going to should struggle up and private. I’m going to have to sit down down a bit, contact his physique, and perform a little little bit of every thing,” mentioned Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela to the Sean Zittel YouTube channel about his struggle towards Gary Antuanne Russell this Saturday evening.

Russell can punch. He may have the ability to knock out Rayo if he can catch him with a few of his huge photographs. Edwin De Los Santos stopped him within the third spherical of their struggle on September 4, 2022.

“He does one factor, however he’s actually good at what he does. He simply doesn’t come out of that field. He’s nonetheless harmful as a result of he’s actually good at what he does, however I really feel I’ve bought extra instruments in my toolkit. He fights every thing good and quick. He’s a very good fighter.

“I’d prefer to struggle Shakur Stevenson. I do know no person needs to struggle him at 135. He’s a fighter I’ve at all times wished to struggle,” mentioned Rayo. “As a result of he’s laborious to hit. He’s an awesome fighter and I’m an awesome fighter. So, I’d prefer to get in there with him.”