Jose Valenzuela vs Gary Antuanne Russell Predictions: Title fight is a potential show-stealer

WBA super lightweight champion kingpin Jose Valenzuela defends his title against speedster Gary Antuanne Russell this Saturday, March 1. The fight takes place on the undercard of Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis vs Lamont Roach. Prime Video PPV will screen the event live

Here are my Valenzuela vs Russell predictions ahead of this super lightweight showdown.

Jose Valenzuela vs Gary Antuanne Russell Odds

Valenzuela is 1/1 to score a big win in this one. Russell is 5/6 to win the belt here while the draw is priced at 14/1.

Jose Valenzuela vs Gary Antuanne Russell Fight Preview

Valenzuela is a fighter who has made the most of his second chance. After back-to-back losses between 2022 and 2023, he now kicks off 2025 as a world champion. That sort of comeback is Russell’s plan too, as he fights for the first time since suffering the maiden loss of his career.

Valenzuela was knocked out in three rounds by Edwin De Los Santos three years ago. While his conqueror moved on to a world title shot, ‘El Rayo’ took on former WBA interim super featherweight champion Chris Colbert. That did not go his way, as Valenzuela lost a unanimous decision. But many felt the result was unfair, necessitating a rematch to settle the score.

Valenzuela came flying out of the traps in the return, smashing his favoured opponent in six rounds. It was the first spark of a fire that would take the Mexican to the world title. Last August, Valenzuela upset Isaac Cruz via split decision to lift the WBA super lightweight strap. It was the culmination of a journey from the brink of gatekeeper status to the top of the division.

Russell is a robust challenger, despite coming off a loss. The Maryland fighter pushed Alberto Puello, who fights Sandor Martin on Saturday, incredibly close in their WBC interim title fight. Russell lost his way down the stretch, being edged out by split decision. But the fast-and-fiery southpaw exchanges kept it close, making for a scintillating fight.

Most thought Russell’s efforts should have earned a rematch. But Puello defends his WBC belt, now upgraded to the full deal, against Sandor Martin on the undercard. A unification bout between the winners of these two contests certainly appeals. But before that fight can truly be mapped out, our four principles have work to do.

Valenzuela vs Russell is exciting due to factors both positive and negative. Both are supremely exciting boxers capable of dazzling feats. They also share vulnerabilities, allowing for the sort of push-and-pull that makes top-level boxing exciting. Often the imperfections can add up to a perfect fight. 

The De Los Santos fight was a perfect example of shared strengths and weaknesses making ofr exhilarating viewing. Both men were down in a three-round war. At times it felt like every punch was hurting the other man. Vulnerable, yes. But exhilarating also. Interestingly, both men were southpaws. Russell is also a southpaw and is coming off his own incredible all-leftie firefight with Puello.

The ingredients are all there. Both of these fighters have won and lost in these circumstances before. The pair share both stance and heart. A world title is on the line, not a prerequisite but always an X-factor. This one could truly be something quite special. Seconds out.

Jose Valenzuela vs Gary Antuanne Russell Full Card

Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach

Jose Valenzuela vs Gary Antuanne Russell

Alberto Puello vs Sandor Martin

Yoenis Tellez vs Julian Williams

Jarrett Hurd vs Johan Gonzalez

Geo Lopez vs Grimardi Machuca

Cristian Cangelosi vs Jarrod Tennant

Dwyke Flemmings Jr vs Florent Dervis

David Whitmire vs Angel Munoz

Alexis De la Cerda Landin vs Sharone Carter

Nasheed H. Smith vs Tariq Green

Deric Davis vs Oscar Eduardo Gonzalez Jr.

Jose Valenzuela vs Gary Antuanne Russell Prediction

I like this fight and the styles should mesh brilliantly. Fights like this can turn on a dime, with one moment almost erasing everything that went before. It makes it hard to call, but not impossible.

I think Russell has something Valenzuela does not and that is slickness. I believe if this one truly opens up as we expect, the challenger has that little bit more nous and defensive nous to get himself out of trouble. To slip that one shot that might have ended his night and return in kind.

For this reason, I am going for Russell to take the win at 5/6. It is going to be competitive and exciting all the way, I truly believe this one steals the show.

You can find all our latest boxing betting tips and analysis at our Betfred Insights Boxing page and our latest boxing odds here.