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Gary Russell Jr. Returns After 3 Year Hiatus

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 9:43 PM ET

After nearly three and a half years away from the ring. Former long reigning WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. (31–2, 18 KOs) is officially set to make his comeback. The supremely skilled southpaw will return on the undercard of Pacquiao vs. Barrios on July 19, facing off against Hugo Castaneda, a 23-year-old Mexican prospect.

The bout is slated for the preliminary portion of the card, giving fans an early look at Russell’s first appearance since his close majority decision loss to Mark Magsayo in January 2022, a fight that ended his nearly 7-year title reign.

Castaneda, though young and relatively untested at the elite level, offers Gary Russell a chance to shake off ring rust and potentially set the stage for a run at another world title.

Gary Russell Jr is set make his return to the ring after three-and-a-half years away vs Hugo Castaneda on the Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios undercard on July 19th.

Mark Magsayo vs Jorge Mata Cuellar and David Picasso vs Kyonosuke Kameda have also been added to the card. pic.twitter.com/BwwqRw6btq

— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) July 2, 2025

The price that inactivity caused

Gary Russell Jr. is the classic case of “what could’ve been” in boxing. Who’s a supremely gifted fighter with pound-for-pound talent, but a career that never quite reached its full potential. Blessed with some of the fastest hands in the sport, slick footwork, and near flawless fundamentals, Russell had all the tools to dominate for years.

Yet, his prime was marked more by sporadic activity than signature wins. With promotional issues, injuries, and personal commitments limiting him to just one fight per year during most of his title reign. That inactivity left many fans and analysts wondering how great he truly could have been if given the right opportunities. Still, despite the missed chances, Gary Russell’s legacy is far from hollow. His nearly seven year reign as WBC featherweight champion. Along with wins over high-level opponents like Joseph Diaz Jr.. Solidify his status as one of the most technically respected fighters of the last decade.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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