Bantamweight maestro Gary Antonio Russell recently faced Emmanuel Rodriguez for yet another sensational showdown. Boxing fans were treated to a true display of pugilistic prowess. With a beautiful mix of both raw strength and lightning-fast speed. It can be said that in a way this fight was a journey of redemption for both fighters after their last fight ended in a no contest.
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Russell previously faced Rodriguez at the Barclays Center in New York City on August 14, 2021. However, that bout ended in a contest after Rodriguez suffered an accidental headbutt during the fight.
The bout started slowly, with both fighters pacing themselves. But it was a closely knit affair with Rodriguez expertly countering Russell’s attacks.
A vicious knockdown by Emmanuel Rodriguez as round 8 ends! 🥊
To watch, order on the Fox Sports app or at https://t.co/3Zu1Q7tJUe so you don't miss any of the action! pic.twitter.com/ufpkPTcnsq
— FOX Sports: PBC (@PBConFOX) October 16, 2022
The next few rounds saw Russell struggling to land punches. Rodriguez, on the other hand, did not have any issues unleashing brutal counters. The eighth round saw an exciting change of pace. Russell was knocked down by Rodriguez with a brutal right hook. And he was given a minute to compose himself.
Emmanuel Rodriguez wins by unanimous decision!
To watch, order on the Fox Sports app or at https://t.co/3Zu1Q7cGSe so you don't miss any of the action! pic.twitter.com/D5bAI9z62Q
— FOX Sports: PBC (@PBConFOX) October 16, 2022
The ninth round saw a recreation of what happened between the duo in their previous fight in 2021. Rodriguez was once again subjected to an accidental headbutt. This, in turn, caused a nasty bruise under his eye, prompting doctors to declare him unfit to continue. The fight was then taken to the scorecards, where he was declared the winner by decision.
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It should also be noted that this was the first loss of Russell’s professional career.
Fans share their thoughts on Emmanuel Rodriguez vs Gary Antonio Russell
Boxing fans were happy to see Emmanuel Rodriguez emerge as the victor. But they also had a few choice words to say about some decisions made during the fight.
Congratulations to Emmanuel. Good Performance, he was quicker and accurate!! GR didn’t look himself. Hope he can get back on track!!🤔👍🏾💯🥊 pic.twitter.com/Co6Ow9ohAF
— Shownuff B-rock (@Shownuff16G) October 16, 2022
User @Shownuff16G congratulated Rodriguez for his win. And also mentioned that Russell was not his usual self during the fight.
Premier Boxing Cartel, the house fighter gets knocked out and suddenly there’s no clock?
— Gustavo (@gussf96) October 16, 2022
A vicious knockdown by Emmanuel Rodriguez as round 8 ends! 🥊
To watch, order on the Fox Sports app or at https://t.co/3Zu1Q7tJUe so you don't miss any of the action! pic.twitter.com/ufpkPTcnsq
— FOX Sports: PBC (@PBConFOX) October 16, 2022
Russell is so bad lmao. He's a dirty fighter yet he sucks so bad
— CJ (@StrykerBadger) October 16, 2022
User @StrykerBadger did not mince words while mentioning that Russell is a bad fighter, despite fighting ‘dirty’.
He should’ve stopped Russel. He hurt him several times
— hiro (@aaaa95288014) October 16, 2022
Similarly, user @aaaa95288014 also felt that Rodriguez should have stopped Russell.
Dude got a baby scratch and they stopped the fight.. Wow!
— TY_D20GG (@Tyd20G) October 16, 2022
I believe Rodriguez and his team could've continued, but I guess the knew what they were doing #RodriguezRussell #WilderHelenius https://t.co/CmwjGtYWgm
— Romell Marquez (@MarquezRomell) October 16, 2022
Meanwhile, a few fans felt that the fight should not have been continued after the accidental headbutt.
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What are your thoughts on the fight? Let us know in the comments below.
Written by
Edited by
Ajinkya Aswale