Jose Valenzuela will make the first defense of his World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight belt against Gary Antuanne Russell on March 1 on the same night that Gervonta Davis will face Lamont Roach Jr. for the lightweight belt of the pioneer organization. 

The Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets, will be the stage of this great event and the “Rayo” intends to have another great performance that will allow him to remain as 140 lbs. monarch. 

The Mexican surprised Isaac Cruz last August 3 in Los Angeles with an exhibition of good boxing with which he managed to limit his aggressive compatriot and defeat him by split decision. Now he will try to ratify all that good momentum on another big stage and against another opponent with good credentials. 

Russell is a southpaw with great punching power who is 28 years old and is coming off the only loss of his career in a close decision against Alberto Puello. The American will be getting his second shot at a world title and wants to get the opportunity that has eluded him once before. 

Valenzuela has a record of 14 wins, 2 losses and 9 knockouts, while Russell has 17 wins, 1 loss and 17 knockouts.