By David Martinez / dmboxing.com
On Saturday, May 19, 2018, Showtime Championship Boxing offered a televised doubleheader from two different location sights.
In the first bout from Oxon, Hill, Maryland, Gary Russell Jr. (29-1 / 17 by KO) retained his WBC featherweight title with a 12 round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Joseph Diaz Jr. (26-1 / 14 by KO).
Russell was superb, using quickness and lighting jabs. Diaz applied pressure, but was not effective in countering the overall ring generalship of Russell Jr.
The official judges scoring was 115-113, 117-111, 117-111 … my scorecard was, 9 rounds to 3, 117-111 for the winner Russell Jr.
The Second bout from Toronto, Canada, WBC light heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson (29-1-1 / 24 by KO) and Badou Jack, fought to a 12 round draw.
Stevenson won the majority of the first six rounds, and Jack won the majority of the last six rounds – a fight with two sides.
I felt Jack did enough to win, being the busier and more accurate fighter. The judges scored it 114-114, 115-113 Jack, 114-114, as Stevenson retained his title.
Note: Both Russell Jr. and Stevenson fought in their own home town venues; if rematches are in order, I would like Las Vegas to be the sight.
Russell boxed great. Diaz landed some great body shots and Russell shook them off. I had Gary up 8 3 1. I had Stevenson over Jack by 1. He should grant an immediate renatch. He almost gassed out.