"He said that I was predictable, but we saw tonight that my skillset was better,β said Russell. βHe's a tough opponent but we stuck to the game plan.β
“I lost fair and square,” said Santillan. “But I thought the fight was going to be different. I wanted to work more to Russell’s body with my hands held higher.”
In a battle of southpaws, the fight was contested largely on the inside, with Russell’s speed advantage helping him rack up double the power punches landed of his opponent (170-85). The defending champion was never able to get his offense going, and was unable to land more than 13 shots in any round and was held below 10 landed in eight rounds.
Santillan attempted to change the tide by focusing on the body attack, but Russell showed no ill effects from the shots and continued to outwork and out land the champion. For Russell, he becomes the third member of his family to reach champion status, following in the footsteps of his brothers Gary Jr. (former WBC Featherweight World Champion) and Gary Antuanne (reigning WBA Super Lightweight World Champion).
"It feels really good. The only thing that's missing is my pops,” said Russell, referencing his late father Gary Sr. “Outside of that, it feels wonderful. We want to keep collecting belts and keep the dynasty going.”
In the opening seconds of round 12, well ahead on the cards, Russell got the best of yet another exchange on the inside, this time connecting with a right hook to the temple that put Santillan down. While Santillan was able to see the final bell, Russell had already done enough to walk away as the newest 122-pound champion.
"The last round I really wanted to take it to him,” said Russell. “I felt like I had taken all the other rounds clear. I wanted to finish strong and give the fans what they came to see…We're gonna get back in the gym and see what the best move is for me. Hopefully it's another champion. There are a lot of great opponents at 122 pounds and we're looking to see them."
Cris Esqueda / Premier Boxing Champions