Gary Russell-Patrick Hyland bout not in jeopardy

Mar

Is the April 16 WBC featherweight title defense by Gary Russell Jr in jeopardy?

The DC boxer didn’t hit the month out max weight mark demanded by the WBC, we learned from a WBC release, which also said that Irish challenger Patrick Hyland did make the mark.

The release:

“The World Boxing Council has NOT received the 30 days pre weigh in of Gary Russell Jr., who will be fighting Patrick Hyland, with his WBC featherweight title on the line, April 16th.

This a maximum priority issue regarding health and well-being of boxers towards the graduated, gradual process of healthy weight loss. The WBC will be closely monitoring that both boxers fulfill this important necessary and required rule.

Hyland has presented the tests.”

So, promoter Lou Dibella, will the show, at Foxwoods in Connecticut, proceed? Is Russell vs. Hyland in jeopardy?

“No,” the New York-based deal maker.

The show will go on. That WBC regulation isn’t iron clad, with teeth there to harshly punish a pugilist, in other words.

Hyland jabbed at Russell via social media:

“So 30 day weight check Russell missed so unprofessional champ. 139lbs was max weight someone must be struggling to make the weight and it’s not me