U.S. Olympic Boxing Spotlight: Bantamweight – Gary Russell, Jr.

**With Slideshow**

© Jim Everett / Saddo Boxing

Gary Russell, Jr. who was one of the favorites to win a medal at the Olympic Games, unfortunately will not get that opportunity in Beijing, China. He collapsed on Thursday night after running, trying to lose weight before Friday morning’s weigh-in.

The bantamweight Russell, Jr needed to meet the limit of 119 pounds but weighed 121 on Thursday before his run. He was treated with fluids for dehydration by doctors, but was not hospitalized.

In a statement released by USA Boxing, Russell, Jr stated, “I’m extremely disappointed, competing in the Olympic Games has always been one of my dreams, and I wish I would have been able to represent my country alongside my teammates.”

The Friday morning weigh-in was a requirement for all of the 286 boxers competing in the Olympic Games before they could be entered into the draw.

To get so far and be unable to compete is unimaginable. I remember that prior to attending the workout session of the U.S. Olympic boxing team at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, New York, last month, I had heard of the amazing hand speed of Gary Russell, Jr.

I had hoped that he would work the bags or hand pads so I could witness his speed first hand. He did not disappoint my expectations as he worked ten and fifteen punch combination on the hand pads with pinpoint accuracy and a sharp snap to his punches.

Russell, Jr. was announced as part of the U.S. Olympic boxing team in August, 2007 and earned his spot to compete internationally at the AIBA World Championships in late 2007. He displayed his never give up persona during the qualification process at the championships. “It was tough,” he said. “It was double elimination and I lost my first bout. I had to come back and fight five more times and win the whole thing.”

Russell, Jr. was born on June 5, 1988 and was raised in Capitol Heights, Maryland. He began boxing in 1995 and learned to box and continues to be coached by his father, Gary Russell, Sr. He comes from a large family and has five younger brothers, four of which also box.

His career highlights include: two-time National Champion, PAL National Champion, World Championships Bronze Medallist, Golden Gloves Champion, USA Boxing Athlete of the Year and Junior Olympic National Champion.

Last month Russell, Jr commented on how he felt about being part of the U.S. Olympic boxing team, “It feels so good, especially to have all the support. We are trying our best and trying to get all these medals to make our country happy and make our families proud.”

For nearly a year, he has been a part of the residency program in Colorado Springs to prepare for the Olympics. “Being away from my family, being away from my home and missing my loved ones are the toughest part,” said the bantamweight boxer. “But at the same time it makes you more independent. It makes you grow up because you’re away from your family.”

Russell, Jr, who was taught to box by his father Gary Russell, Sr, commented on what it was like to work with the U.S. Olympic boxing team Head Coach Dan Campbell, “There is definitely a difference. I just try my best to remember what my father taught me and try and mix it all into one.”

The two-time national champion was a favorite to win a Gold Medal based on his incredible handspeed and that he had the style of a boxer-puncher. “A lot of people get confused by my hand speed and then try to walk in,” said Russell, Jr. “When they come in I start punching hard and they end up looking up at the lights.”

It truly is disappointing that Russell, Jr will not be able to compete in Beijing, China. Not only was he a medal hopeful, but he had a confidence about him that was rare to see.

“I feel that I’m one of the best in the world,” he said. “I’m going to prove that to everybody come the games. I’m looking forward to just the experience in itself and having my father and my mother seeing my on that podium.”

Watch for the next U.S. Olympic Boxing Spotlight on Middleweight Shawn Estrada.