Russell diagnosed with fractured hand

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Featherweight prospect Gary Russell Jr. fractured his left hand during his unanimous decision victory over Vyacheslav Gusev this past Saturday night in La Vegas.

“They have told him to rest it for four or five weeks and he should be good to go,” said publicist Julie Goldsticker.

“Ponce De Leon has been holding that belt for me,” Russell said before facing Gusev. “I hope he beats (Abner) Mares (on April 20) and then fights me. I also want to get my hands on Gamboa. He’s undefeated and I want to get my hands on him before anyone gives him a loss. He’s a really reckless fighter. He takes too many chances and gets hit too much.

“I would love to fight those guys. I’m on the edge of my seat every time Gamboa and Lopez fight because I don’t want anyone to beat them because I want to do it. I know Lopez lost a couple of fights already, but I want to put another ‘L’ on him. I know I have the skills and talent to beat them.”