Russell ANNIHILATES Santillan for WBA Interim Title!
Gary Antonio Russell Wins Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Title in Frustrating Fight
What Happened in the Ring?
Last night, two southpaws (that means they’re left-handed fighters) squared off for the interim WBA super bantamweight championship. Victor Santillan was the defending champion, and Gary Antonio Russell was the challenger.
But this wasn’t your typical exciting boxing match. Here’s what made it frustrating to watch:
The Holding Problem
- Both fighters held and wrestled almost as much as they threw punches
- Referee Robert Hoyle had to warn them over and over to stop holding
- Fans and commentators were frustrated by the lack of clean boxing
How the Fight Changed
First Half: Santillan’s Strategy
Victor Santillan started as the "holder" — grabbing Russell whenever he got close to avoid getting hit.
Middle Rounds: Russell Finds His Rhythm
- Gary Russell started using his speed
- He landed nice combinations (multiple punches in a row)
- Santillan had no answer for Russell’s boxing skills
Second Half: Roles Reversed
- Now Santillan became the one holding constantly
- He tried to maul and wrestle his way through the final rounds
The Big Moment: Round 12
With the very first punch he threw in the final round, Russell dropped Santillan with a right hand!
Santillan:
- Beat the referee’s count (got up before 10)
- Held and mauled his way to the final bell
- Survived but couldn’t win
The Final Decision
| Judge | Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Judge 1 | 118-109 | Gary Antonio Russell |
| Judge 2 | 119-108 | Gary Antonio Russell |
| Judge 3 | 119-108 | Gary Antonio Russell |
Result: Unanimous Decision for Gary Antonio Russell — NEW Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion!
Updated Records
- Gary Antonio Russell: 22 wins, 1 loss (22-1)
- Victor Santillan: 16 wins, 3 losses (16-3)
IMPORTANT POINT: What "Interim Champion" Means
An interim champion is like a "backup champion." The real undisputed champion at 122 lbs (super bantamweight) is Naoya Inoue. He holds all the major belts. Russell has the "interim" WBA belt while Inoue is still the main champion.
What Happens Next?
The Big Picture at 122 lbs
- Naoya Inoue = Undisputed Champion (has ALL the belts)
- Potential Super Fight: Inoue vs. "Bam" Rodriguez (another top fighter)
- Two Scenarios:
- If Inoue stays at 122 lbs → He defends against Rodriguez, Russell waits as interim champ
- If Inoue moves up to featherweight (126 lbs) → Russell gets elevated to FULL WBA champion
Summary
- Gary Antonio Russell beat Victor Santillan by unanimous decision
- Fight was marred by excessive holding from both men
- Russell’s speed and combinations won him the middle rounds
- Knockdown in Round 12 sealed the deal
- Russell is now interim WBA champ at 122 lbs
- Naoya Inoue remains the undisputed king of the division
- Russell’s future depends on what Inoue does next
FAQ
What does "southpaw" mean?
A southpaw is a left-handed fighter. They stand with their right foot forward and lead with their right hand. Both fighters in this match were southpaws, which can make for awkward, tangled fights.
Why did the referee keep warning them?
Boxing rules say you can’t hold your opponent excessively. Both fighters kept grabbing each other instead of punching. The referee’s job is to enforce the rules and keep the fight moving.
What’s the difference between interim and regular champion?
The regular (undisputed) champion is the #1 recognized titleholder. An interim champion holds a temporary title while the regular champion is unavailable (injured, moving weight classes, or negotiating other fights).
Who is "Bam" Rodriguez?
Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez is a rising star and world champion at flyweight (112 lbs) and super flyweight (115 lbs). A fight with Inoue at 122 lbs would be a huge "super fight" between two elite talents.
How does a fighter get "elevated" to full champion?
If the regular champion (Inoue) vacates the belt (gives it up, usually by moving to a higher weight class), the sanctioning body (WBA) often promotes the interim champion to full champion status automatically.
Article based on reporting by Boxing Bob Newman