Yesterday, February 21, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, during the event organized by Golden Boy Promotions in collaboration with Premier Boxing Champions, WBA super lightweight world champion Gary Antuanne Russell (19–1–0) stepped into the ring to defend his title against mandatory challenger Andy Hiraoka (24–1–0) from Yokohama.
The twelve-round bout was broadcast live on pay-per-view on DAZN. Russell won by unanimous decision after a two-sided contest, with scorecards that were perhaps a bit too harsh on the challenger: 117–110, 116–111, 116–111.
The Fight
Round 1
Russell immediately takes center ring. A very long feeling-out phase with no exchanges. We give the round to the American for constant pressure. (10–9 Russell)
Round 2
“The Last” controls the tempo and distance, working the body. Hiraoka tries a left that lands on the champion’s tight guard. The Japanese fighter struggles to loosen up and shake off the tension early on. (20–18 Russell)
Round 3
High-intensity start from Russell, stalking his opponent and landing to the head. Hiraoka appears to struggle reading the fight and looks confused at times, absorbing several shots upstairs. (30–27 Russell)
Round 4
Hiraoka tries to increase his output, but Russell manages distance well and keeps him out of range. (40–36 Russell)
Round 5
Russell continues his body attack and midway through the round lands a perfect right hook to the face that briefly shakes Hiraoka. (50–45 Russell)
Round 6
Hiraoka applies pressure but in a sterile manner, unable to land meaningful shots or build combinations. Slow pace, little excitement. We give the round to the Japanese fighter for attempting a change in strategy. (59–55 Russell)
Round 7
The confidence boost pays off: after a dull stretch, the fight finally heats up. Hiraoka lands heavy body shots and looks rejuvenated at the midpoint. His round. (68–65 Russell)
Round 8
Hiraoka grows in confidence, working well to the body and landing a couple of short uppercuts in tight quarters. Another round for him. (77–75 Russell)
Round 9
Hiraoka raises the pace, presses forward, and finds the right uppercut to the body. Russell responds by increasing his own output. A difficult round to score; we call it even. (87–85 Russell)
Round 10
An accidental low blow from Hiraoka results in a verbal warning. After the restart, Hiraoka becomes more aggressive, but lands another low uppercut. This time there is doubt about intent. The referee has no choice but to issue an official warning. Two-point round for Russell. (97–93 Russell)
Round 11
Hiraoka charges forward, fully committed to the battle. He works effectively to the body and gets inside with ease. Russell struggles with this approach. Unfortunately, the Japanese fighter gave away too many early rounds. His round. (106–103 Russell)
Round 12
Hiraoka takes center ring, loading up and showing belief, though somewhat predictable. Russell fades physically and is forced onto the ropes. Hiraoka finishes strongly with both hands. Round for the Japanese fighter. (115–113 Russell)
Post-Fight Thoughts
This was supposed to be Russell’s breakout night — his chance to establish himself not only as a champion but as a charismatic figure capable of attracting major promoters and fans. Mission only partially accomplished. As insiders know, boxing feeds on emotion, and tonight’s show lacked fireworks.
Oddsmakers had made Russell a clear favorite, yet facing Hiraoka was anything but easy. Hiraoka is a disciplined fighter who builds effective attacks and controls distance well. He entered undefeated, with 24 wins (19 by knockout), clearly possessing stopping power.
Russell is confident in his skills and ambitions. He dreams of unifying the belts — something he has stated in interviews. To achieve that, however, he will need to deliver more excitement.
Hiraoka suffered the first loss of his career, but given last night’s performance and his age, future world title opportunities are surely within reach. This trip to America will undoubtedly help him grow.
Time will tell for both men.