Gary Russell Jr. acknowledges Mark Magsayo's power but says 'none of that matters if you can't hit your target'

Reigning WBC world featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr. is not worried about Mark Magsayo’s renowned punching power.

Magsayo, 26, will challenge for a world title for the first time against Russell on January 23 (PH time) at the Borgata Hotel Casino in Atlantic City, USA.

“I see him as a good even-handed puncher, maybe he leans a little more to the right hand. He has good punching power, but none of that matters if you can’t hit your target,” said Russell.

“We’re grinding in training camp. No matter what, we’re not going to make any excuses or complaints.”

Magsayo, who holds a perfect record of 23-0 with 16 knockouts, is coming off a highlight-reel knockout over Julio Ceja last August.

Many fans and experts alike see Magsayo as an underdog in the upcoming fight, but Russell vowed that he is not looking past the Filipino.

“I’m fighting Magsayo because he moved up the rankings and earned this spot. Everyone who I’ve competed against has been the next best guy under the champion,” Russell stated.

“I never overlook anybody. Of course, I want the Gervonta Davis fight. But I’m focused on Magsayo,” he quipped.

“He’s the one who worked his way into this position to fight me. Davis is in no rush, so I’m going to remain focused on a true warrior who’s getting into the ring with me.”

—JMB, GMA News