Jose "Rayo" Valenzuela Camp Notes

WBA super lightweight champion Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela  (14-2, 9 KOs) is gearing up for his upcoming fight against Gary Antuanne Russell of Capital Heights Maryland. Valenzuela defends his WBA title against Russell on Saturday, March 1 as the Davis vs. Roach co-main event live on PBC on Prime Video PPV at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

“I don't believe that Gary Antuanne Russell belongs here with me,” said Valenzuela. “He’s a strong, solid, durable fighter. He’s good, but I think he’s a little stiff when I look at him more. I worked my ass off to get here, and this is a bit of a handout for him. I took two tough losses and came back from hell to get the ‘Pitbull’ Cruz fight and conquer that. Russell has had everything given to him and I think it's gonna show on March 1.”

Valenzuela is coming off a hard fought split decision over fellow Mexican Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz last Summer..

“My mentality going into the ‘Pitbull’ fight was that I was gonna show that I'm a more diverse fighter than I got credit for, not just a knockout puncher,” said Valenzuela. “I have a full arsenal. I showed my poise in the ring and I showed my ring generalship. There were a lot of little things that I did that had a major effect in the fight.”

This will be "El Rayo's" second training camps with respected trainer Robert Garcia in Riverside, California.

“Having Robert Garcia in my corner gives me a lot of confidence,” said Valenzuela. “He's really fixed my fundamentals. Everything comes together nicely when we're working together. This training camp is going great. I've been conquering every day with hard work. I'm taking it all in and learning each day. It's just about learning the techniques and working hard.”

Valenzuela will be making the first defense of his title against Russell, a 2016 U.S. Olympian who comes from a good boxing bloodline as he is trained by his brother, former WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. Antuanne is coming off a decision defeat at the hands of Alberto Puello.

“Fans can expect an action-packed fight,” said Valenzuela. “Stylistically it's a great matchup with him being a lefty and coming with the high guard marching forward. Gary is a lot taller than ‘Pitbull’. I knew I could dance around ‘Pitbull’, but with Gary I think I'm gonna have to fight through him.”

“Taking on Gary Antuanne for my first title defense says a lot about me,” said Valenzuela. “People have to respect it. My name is on the radar because of the kind of opposition I'm going up against.

“I think I'm at the top of this division with guys like Teofimo Lopez and Alberto Puello,” said Valenzuela. “I believe strongly that I can beat all of these guys. It's just a matter of taking it one fight at a time. Gary Antuanne Russell is in the way of where I'm trying to get to. I've got my full attention on him and I give him his respect. But there's more that I want to do. My story is gonna continue after this.”