ShoBox: Gary Russel, Jr. destroys Christopher Perez in three rounds, remains undefeated

Christopher Perez, in his first fight outside of his native Mexico, succumbed to the speed and power of Gary Russell, Jr. in a 10 round featherweight bout in Saturday night's ShoBox: The New Generation at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, CA.

The Mexican has the heart and determination but lacks the talent and skills to match up with the American fighter who, after a feel-out first round, simply stepped on the gas and annihilated Perez in three rounds.

The carnage started with less than a minute left in the second round when Garry Russell, Jr. dropped Christopher Perez with a right counter to the chin. Perez, despite being dazed, beat the count. Russell then moved in for the kill but Perez survived the round.

But Gary Russell, Jr. would not be denied as he immediately jumped on Christopher Perez's right after the bell in round three. The American unleashed several power shots in succession: a straight left followed by a left-right combination to the kisser, then another left to the chin that sent Perez to the ropes.

Christopher Perez showed his will and determination as he was able to get up and tried to hold his own against Gary Russell, Jr. but to no avail, as he was on the receiving end of more lightning and powerful combinations and found himself on the seat of his pants once again with time down to 2:14 in the round.

Still, Christopher Perez was able to beat the count. The Mexican is surely a brave fighter but he is not in Gary Russell, Jr's class, and with 1:19 remaining, Perez was caught with another vicious right that dropped him to the canvas as the referee waived the fight off.

Christopher Perez (23-3, 14 KOs) has a big heart but he was simply outclassed by a technically superior fighter. Gary Russell, Jr's record improves and stays undefeated in 20 professional fights with 12 knockouts.

The short fight statistics showed that Gary Russell, Jr. dominated his opponent by landing 38 of 60 power shots for a 55% clip, while Christopher Perez just managed to land 16 of his 45 shots for a mediocre 36% rate.

Another short night and an impressive performance from the promising American fighter. So, we asked ourselves: What's next for Gary Russell, Jr.?

How about a step up in competition like a championship bout with IBF featherweight champion Billy Dib of Australia perhaps?


*photo credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME