In a highly anticipated clash that had boxing enthusiasts on the edge of their seats, Gary Antuanne Russell secured a unanimous decision victory over Andy Hiraoka at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on February 21, 2026. The 12-round light welterweight bout, which was a pivotal encounter for the WBA world light welterweight title, lived up to its billing as a thrilling contest between two formidable fighters.
Gary Antuanne Russell, a former Olympian and WBA super-lightweight champion, entered the ring with an impressive professional record of 18-1-0, including 17 knockouts. Ranked as the No.15 light welterweight in the world, Russell had suffered his only loss to Alberto Puello in 2024 via a split decision. However, he made a triumphant return in 2025 with a victory over Jose Valenzuela, setting the stage for his showdown with Hiraoka.
Andy Hiraoka, the undefeated interim WBA super-lightweight champion, brought a perfect record of 24-0-0, with 19 knockouts, into the fight. Despite his impressive resume, Hiraoka was not ranked due to his inactivity since 2024. His last three victories were against Min Ho Jung, Sebastian Diaz Maldonado, and Ismael Barroso, showcasing his prowess in the ring.
The fight itself was a masterclass in boxing, with both fighters displaying exceptional skill and determination. Russell’s experience and technical prowess were evident as he strategically outmaneuvered Hiraoka throughout the bout. Hiraoka, on the other hand, demonstrated his resilience and power, landing several significant blows that kept the audience captivated.
In the end, the judges’ scorecards read 116-111, 116-111, and 117-110, all in favor of Gary Antuanne Russell. This victory not only solidifies Russell’s position as a top contender in the light welterweight division but also sets the stage for potential future showdowns with other elite fighters.
The undercard of this event also featured a highly anticipated bout between Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia, adding to the excitement of the evening. As the boxing world reflects on this memorable night, fans can look forward to more thrilling matches and the continued rise of Gary Antuanne Russell in the light welterweight division.
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