WBC world featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. and undefeated number-one contender Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr. both made weight ahead of their battle tonight at the MGM Grand Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.
WBC Featherweight World Championship
Gary Russell Jr. – 125 ½ Pounds
Joseph Diaz Jr. – 126 Pounds
Referee: Kenny Chevalier (Maryland); Judges: David Braslow (Maryland), Dave Moretti (Nevada), Nathan Palmer (Indiana)
GARY RUSSELL JR.
“My family keeps me hungry at this stage of my career. My friends, my true fans that come out here and support me – I love you. I get my energy from them. A lot of my opponents say that when they are in the ring with me they feel like they’re getting hit by multiple people. I bring the energy of my true fans in the ring with me.
“I feel as though I am the best fighter in the division, hands down. JoJo Diaz has stated that. I feel that I shouldn’t be going the distance with anybody. If I do, I’ll be disappointed in myself. We ain’t going 12.”
JOSEPH DIAZ JR.:
“I respect Gary Russell’s speed, but at the end of the day speed is not everything. I have the right timing and I’m able to adjust and adapt. He is fast and I respect that. We’re going to give the fans a hell of a fight on Saturday night.
“Saturday night, I’m going to be the bigger man in there. I made the weight and now it’s time to go hydrate. Training went well, my conditioning is good, my strength is there. I’m going to break down Gary Russell physically and mentally. I’ll be the champion come Saturday night.”
