WBC featherweight champion, Gary Russell Jr, has pulled out of his Nov. 14 title defence against Oscar Escandon, due to a cut sustained in sparring.
Russell was due to main event the Showtime- televised card from Las Vegas, and in the wake of the injury, network execs are re-examining their options, which will include continuing to televise with the bill being in essence ‘down-graded’ to a ShoBox: The New Generation telecast, which places it’s focus on emerging talent.
In that event, the scheduled chief support, a 10 round, 154 lb clash featuring New York’s, Frank Galarza (17-0-2, 11 KOs), squaring off against Jarrett Hurd, (16-0, 25 KOs) could be bumped up in the absence of Russell Jr’s fight, which was seen as a relatively routine outing for the former Olympian.
Speaking to ESPN.com, Showtime spokesman, Chris DeBlasio, said the network would be looking to make an announcement regarding the bill over the coming days.
“The network was informed earlier [Monday] that Gary sustained a cut in training and is unable to fight,” he said.
“Of course we are sorry to hear this and we are evaluating our options for the Nov. 14 show. We expect to have an announcement in the next couple of days.”
There is no word as yet on whether the Al Haymon advised Russell’s team will be seeking to reschedule the clash with Escandon.
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