A masterclass in speed and defensive brilliance unfolded inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, as American Gary Antonio Russell became the new WBA Interim Super Bantamweight World Champion with a dominant unanimous-decision victory over hard-charging Dominican contender Víctor Santillán.

Russell’s technical superiority was emphatically reflected on the official scorecards, with the judges awarding him scores of 118-109, 119-108 and 119-108. There was no doubt after 12 rounds of action, with Russell also scoring a knockdown in the final round.

Russell dictated the terms of the fight from the opening bell, drawing on the renowned boxing pedigree of his family. Controlling the tempo with a sharp southpaw jab and exceptional footwork, the American completely neutralized Santillán’s offensive game plan. The Dominican repeatedly attempted to close the distance and attack the body, only to be met by quick counter combinations and lateral movement that consistently frustrated his advances.

As the rounds wore on, Santillán’s desperation to find a fight-changing punch created more openings in his defense, and Russell took full advantage. Calm, elusive and authoritative with his head shots, Russell continued to land with precision until the final bell. With this defining performance in the fight capital of the world, Gary Antonio Russell straps on the WBA black-and-gold belt at 122 pounds.