Dazn Boxing: Gary Antuanne Russell Eyes Statement Win Over Andy Hiraoka at T-Mobile Arena
Gary Antuanne Russell will defend his WBA 140lbs title on a Dazn Boxing pay-per-view card at T-Mobile Arena, a spot he says could raise his profile if he delivers the kind of performance fans expect. The latest build-up centers on Russell’s belief in his own power and preparation as he prepares for Japan’s top-ranked contender Andy Hiraoka.
Dazn Boxing spotlight: Russell’s claim and the card’s stakes
Russell, 29, carries an 18-1 record with 17 knockouts into this defense. He has framed the fight as an important chance to solidify his standing in the division and has expressed confidence about being the best in his weight class. The event also features fellow junior welterweight titleholder Richardson Hitchins defending his belt against Mexico’s Oscar Duarte, adding further stakes to the card.
Russell vs Hiraoka: records, style and mandatory pedigree
Russell’s opponent, Andy Hiraoka, arrives unbeaten at 24-0 with 19 knockouts. Hiraoka, 28, is a southpaw and has compiled 10 straight wins by knockout. He has been a mandatory WBA contender since his knockout of Ismael Barroso in Tokyo, Japan, in September 2024. Hiraoka’s travel to the U. S. was delayed by visa issues that were ultimately solved.
Olympic roots, sparring ties and future matchups
Russell’s background includes an Olympic run that ended when he lost to Fazliddin Gaibnazarov, who went on to be the junior-welterweight gold medalist in the 2016 Summer Games. Russell was a U. S. Olympic teammate and sparring partner with a fellow east coast fighter who won the silver medal. Russell has pointed to those connections and shared past work with top names as part of the rationale for his belief that a future matchup with elite opponents would elevate his standing.
How Russell is preparing and what he expects from Hiraoka
Russell has stressed flexibility in his game plan, saying he needs to be like a diamond that shines from all sides so he can answer whatever Hiraoka brings. He declined to detail specific tactics, and cautioned against expecting a diminished opponent because of travel difficulties. Russell emphasized that he does not overlook any rival and acknowledged Hiraoka as undefeated, young, and powerful—using the phrase that he’s heard Hiraoka is "a brick layer"—but insisting Hiraoka has not faced someone like him.
Obstacles, scheduling and context for the matchup
Plans to stage a Russell fight in 2025 were shuttered by legal problems surrounding another high-profile fighter, an issue Russell says affected earlier scheduling. He also offered praise to diplomatic channels for resolving Hiraoka’s visa delay, noting that without that clearance Russell would not have an opponent. Russell watched an unbeaten four-division champion move up to 140 and register a unanimous decision triumph over an ex-two-division titlist on January 31, a development Russell sees as part of the shifting landscape in his division.
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