Gary Russell Jr vs Jojo Diaz

[TheLeprechaun]

Excellent fight coming up this weekend. I am a big fan of Russel Jr but I'm an even bigger fan of Jojo Diaz. This guy for me is my favourite fighter to watch at the moment. He looks comfortable in every part of the ring, throws combinations with great technique and just moves beautifully in there. Both guys are fast and throw combinations. Obviously Russell Jr has the handspeed advantage - he will have that in every fight. But I fancy Jojo Diaz to get the win. He is an excellend body puncher and I think Russell Jr is open for shots downstairs. Diaz has superb defensive skills but getting hit with something he doesn't see is always a possibility against Russell. I see Diaz fighting off the backfoot and enticing Russell to come forward, at which point we could get great exchanges and great counter punches. Diaz is dangerous coming forward and although he doesn't use the jab as much as I'd like, he comes in with power punches.

I respect Russell Jr. but Jojo DIaz is a serious fighter and I think he will outbox Russell Jr to a win, possibly by stoppage via body attack.

[gilgamesh]

Russell has shown more flash in his fights, but I'm picking Diaz to win mainly because I think Diaz is a more serious fighter, and takes his career more seriously.

Russell seems more interested in sitting around for a year at a time, and then fighting soft opposition when he does fight.

Diaz fights regularly, and has been on an upward trajectory for a while. I think that's gonna be the difference in the contest. I feel like Russell has more latent talent, but Diaz puts more work in to get the best out of himself.

[TheLeprechaun]

Russell has shown more flash in his fights, but I'm picking Diaz to win mainly because I think Diaz is a more serious fighter, and takes his career more seriously.

Russell seems more interested in sitting around for a year at a time, and then fighting soft opposition when he does fight.

Diaz fights regularly, and has been on an upward trajectory for a while. I think that's gonna be the difference in the contest. I feel like Russell has more latent talent, but Diaz puts more work in to get the best out of himself.

As far as activity goes, he has had 18 fights since Russell Jr. lost to Lomachenko. Russell Jr. has had 4.

[Stuarty]

Fancy Russell on points. He should check Diaz's chin as well. I like Diaz and Russell has been inactive but I fancy his better experience to see him through on the cards.

[saad muhammad]

Anyone showing this ?

[saad muhammad]

Anyone showing this ?

[Fitzy901]

This is a great fight and I am looking forward to this much more than Selby v Warrington.

I predict a new star in Diaz being born. If he wins this then hopefully he can get it on with LSC/Mares winner and the man can be established at 126.

[PredatorHayds]

I’m edging Russell Jr on Points.
Huge fan of his handspeed. He may start slow due to his inactivity.
I like Diaz but I always thought his lack of power would stop him being successful at the highest level.

Sky picking this up?

[Taansend]

Russell talking about moving up in weight after this fight - win or lose.

That's never a good sign.

https://www.BS.com/gary-russel ... ht--128273

[Andrew]

I've watched Diaz once on the Clenelo v GGG undercard and wasn't impressed at all.

He doesn't justify the hype I have heard about him online for a couple of years. Russell should be levels above him.

The issue with Russell is he doesn't care about boxing. He should be a big star and he has the natural talent to do that, he doesn't want it enough. I can say the same for most of the PBC.

I'd like Diaz to prove me wrong and win this. He will actually fight more than once a year, but don't be surprised if Russell ends this fight violently and early.

[SenorPipino]

It's such a tough fight to pick. So many intangibles.

Russell is a terrific talent but is only interested in fighting once a year. Is he hungry?

Diaz looks like he may be special, but his opposition is nowhere near the level of Russell.

There seems to be a tendency to underestimate Diaz. He's fast, does good body work and seems very composed in the ring.

He can't quite match Russell's speed but. his punches are short and timing is everything.

Russell has the hometown advantage in DC so a close fight obviously favors the champ.

For some reason I wouldn't be surprised if JoJo dominates.

He shouldn't but he's a talented rising star and I keep questioning Russell's drive and motivation.

[Andrew]

Watched this last night on an excellent stream. Very good fight which I would recommend to anyone who hasn't watched

Firstly I'm going to give credit to Jo Diaz. I didn't fancy him to win after being unimpressed when I've seen him. He did his career no harm in losing last night and he belongs at this level. Very good body puncher you just need more to beat Russell.

Showtime said Russell threw 900 punches and he did show his ridiculous hand speed throughout this fight. Diaz did get success when Russell planted his feat but Russell's lightening fast jab is the reason he retained his title.

Russell's career is so frustrating. He is clearly a world class fighter who doesn't want to be a big star when he could be.

On the RBR thread on the current scene I spoke about a fight between Russell and Leo Santa Cruz. Seems so logical but will never happen as LSC would want obscene money for it. Leo is the same as Russell, could be a huge star just doesn't want it.

Leo Santa Cruz and Russell over the last two years could have been built into a super fight of high quality. Shame we'll never see it.

[Stuarty]

That'll be Russell on holiday til next summer now!