Gary Antuanne Russell: Fight Tonight | Brother | VS Andy Hiraoka

The boxing world was buzzing tonight as Gary Antuanne Russell stepped into the ring to defend his WBA super lightweight title against Japan’s Andy Hiraoka in a highly anticipated showdown at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This fight, featured on the undercard of the Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia headline event, delivered both drama and strategy as Russell clinched a unanimous decision victory.

Fight Overview: A Night in Las Vegas

On February 21, 2026, boxing fans around the world were tuned in to watch two elite southpaw fighters collide in the 140-lb division. The bout was billed as a key defense of Russell’s championship and a chance for Hiraoka to earn his first world title. Both fighters entered with strong records — Russell at 19-1 (17 KOs) and Hiraoka at 24-0 (19 KOs) — making this matchup a compelling clash of styles and skill sets.

From the opening bell, Russell demonstrated his tactical boxing ability, using his jab and footwork to control the pace. Meanwhile, Hiraoka’s size and reach — longer than many in the division — presented challenges throughout the fight. As the rounds unfolded, the momentum shifted multiple times, telling the story of a high-stakes title fight where intelligence and versatility mattered as much as power.

Tactical Breakdown: Who Won and How

Early Rounds – Russell’s Strategy

Russell took control early, using precise jab work and sharp counters to keep Hiraoka at bay. His ability to dictate range allowed him to win several of the opening rounds on the judges’ scorecards. This approach was classic Russell — clean, efficient, and focused on accumulation rather than wild aggression.

Middle Rounds – Hiraoka’s Pressure

Hiraoka wasn’t outclassed. As the fight transitioned into the middle frames, the Japanese southpaw began to close the distance, landing consistent body shots and pressuring Russell. It was here that Hiraoka’s discipline and conditioning came to the forefront, earning him respect even if he wasn’t overtaking the fight on points.

Penalty and Turning Points

A turning moment came in the 10th round when Hiraoka was docked a point for a low blow, a decision that may have influenced the final scorecards significantly. Russell responded well to adversity and continued sharpening combinations, especially targeting the body and head in the championship rounds.

Final Decision

At the end of 12 hard-fought rounds, all three judges scored the fight in favor of Russell — 117-110, 116-111, 116-111 — allowing him to retain his WBA title and extend his professional resume with a quality defense against a tough undefeated challenger.

Fighter Profiles

Gary Antuanne Russell

• Record: 19-1 (17 KOs)

• Title: WBA Super Lightweight Champion

• Style: Southpaw

• Background: Russell, born in Maryland, is the younger brother of former featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr. — a legacy that brings both inspiration and expectation. Known for his quick hands and boxing IQ, Russell has rapidly ascended into elite standing at 140 lbs since winning his title in 2025.

Andy Hiraoka

• Record: 24-1 (19 KOs)

• Style: Southpaw

• Profile: Hiraoka entered this bout as one of the most promising challengers in the junior welterweight division. His extended reach and precision punching made him a unique test for Russell, and though he ultimately suffered his first professional loss, he showed the heart of a contender throughout the fight.

The Brother Story: Legacy and Family

A compelling subplot to this event is Russell’s family legacy. Gary Antuanne is part of a renowned boxing family — his older brother Gary Russell Jr. was a long-reigning WBC featherweight champion. Their father, Gary Russell Sr., was a key trainer and mentor to all his sons until his passing, forging a close bond rooted in both blood and boxing.

The Russell brothers’ story isn’t just about talent — it’s about resilience in the face of tragedy, loss, and constant dedication to the sweet science. That history adds emotional weight to every significant fight night for the younger Russell.

Where and How Fans Watched the Fight

Russell vs. Hiraoka was part of a stacked card headlined by Barrios vs. Garcia, broadcast live on DAZN PPV from Las Vegas. Fans worldwide tuned in for the action, which featured multiple title bouts across weight classes.

What This Means for the Division

Russell’s successful defense solidifies his position among the top 140-lb fighters in the sport. While Hiraoka falls to his first professional defeat, his performance elevated his stock and showed he can trouble elite competition — a promising sign for his future in the division.

The junior welterweight landscape remains rich with potential matchups, including unification possibilities with other champions, should Russell continue to rise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who won the fight between Gary Antuanne Russell and Andy Hiraoka?

Gary Antuanne Russell won by unanimous decision, retaining his WBA super lightweight title.

Was tonight’s fight a title fight?

Yes — it was Russell’s first title defense of his WBA 140-lb championship.

What was the final score?

The judges scored the fight 117-110 and 116-111 twice in favor of Russell.

Has Andy Hiraoka ever lost before?

No — this fight marked his first professional loss.

Who is Gary Antuanne Russell’s brother?

His brother is former WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr., a decorated boxer with a long professional career.

Where did the fight take place?

The bout took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Conclusion: A Fight for the Ages

The Gary Antuanne Russell vs. Andy Hiraoka fight lived up to the hype. It wasn’t just another title defense — it was a strategic chess match at the championship level. Between Russell’s precision and Hiraoka’s resilience, fans witnessed one of the most intriguing junior welterweight bouts of the year.

Russell’s triumph showcases his growing stature in boxing’s 140-lb class, and Hiraoka’s performance — even in defeat — undeniably raises his profile. This fight will be remembered as a night where two southpaws battled with heart, skill, and championship stakes on the line.