Jose Valenzuela vs. Gary Antuanne Russell: 2025 Junior Welterweight Showdown

The buzz is real—WBA junior welterweight champion Jose “El Rayo” Valenzuela is set to face off against top contender Gary Antuanne Russell in 2025. Sources are confirming that this highly anticipated fight could land on the Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach PBC pay-per-view card, rumored to take place on March 1 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. This matchup is shaping up to be one of the most exciting bouts in the junior welterweight division.

Valenzuela’s Big Win and New Challenge

At just 25 years old, Jose Valenzuela (14-2, 9 KOs) has been making serious waves in the junior welterweight division. Valenzuela is known for his knockout power, and his most recent victory came in August, where he took down Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in a dominant 12-round decision. After that win, a rematch with Cruz was on the cards, but Cruz chose to face Angel Fierro instead. Now, Valenzuela is gearing up for a dangerous new challenge in Gary Antuanne Russell, a fighter eager to prove himself as the next big thing in the division.

Gary Russell’s Redemption and Title Shot

Gary Antuanne Russell, the younger brother of the famous Russell boxing family, is also a southpaw and one of the most feared contenders in the 140-pound weight class. At 28 years old, the Capitol Heights, Maryland, native had a standout amateur career, even beating Jaron “Boots” Ennis multiple times. As a pro, Russell was on a tear, knocking out his first 17 opponents before a tough loss to Alberto Puello in June 2023 for the WBC interim 140-pound title. Now, Russell has a chance to bounce back and claim a full title when he faces Valenzuela for the WBA junior welterweight belt.

This fight is set to be a thriller, with both fighters known for their power and determination. Boxing fans across the U.S. are already buzzing about what’s to come in 2025, as Valenzuela and Russell are poised to deliver an epic showdown in what could be the highlight of the year in the junior welterweight boxing scene.