Event Overview
The boxing spotlight shifts to Las Vegas for a marquee card headlined by Mario Barrios defending his WBC welterweight title against Ryan Garcia. The main card includes a compelling super lightweight showdown between Gary Antuanne Russell and unbeaten contender Andy Hiraoka, with Russell’s WBA 140-pound title on the line. This matchup contrasts Russell’s devastating knockout power and family boxing legacy against Hiraoka’s technical prowess and undefeated record, potentially delivering a highlight-reel finish. Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in collaboration with Matchroom Boxing, the event is poised to captivate at the T-Mobile Arena, a staple for blockbuster fights like those featuring Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor.
- Venue Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. This premier venue accommodates over 20,000 fans for boxing and is equipped with cutting-edge production, having hosted iconic events like Mayweather vs. Pacquiao.
- The broadcast starts at 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PST), with undercard fights earlier. Ringwalks for the Russell vs. Hiraoka bout are projected around 9:00-9:40 PM ET (6:00-6:40 PM PST), live on DAZN PPV.
Injury Report
No major injuries have been disclosed for Gary Antuanne Russell or Andy Hiraoka as they approach this contest. Russell has been in full training mode without setbacks, emphasizing preparation for Hiraoka’s length. Hiraoka faced visa issues that threatened the fight’s status, but as of February 17, 2026, the bout is proceeding, with no physical injuries reported. Both fighters, aged 28 and 28, are expected to be at peak condition, though Hiraoka’s travel delays could impact final preparations.
Fighter Matchups: Gary Antuanne Russell vs. Andy Hiraoka
This super lightweight main card bout is scheduled for 12 rounds at 140 pounds, with Russell’s WBA title at stake. Russell’s southpaw power and family pedigree clash with Hiraoka’s lengthy frame and counterpunching, potentially turning into a tactical chess match or explosive firefight. If Russell traps Hiraoka with his southpaw setup, an early stoppage looms; otherwise, Hiraoka’s reach could force a distance battle with a 55% decision probability.
Fighter Profiles and Recent Form
Gary Antuanne Russell
- Record: 18-1-0 (17 KOs)
- Age: 28
- Height/Reach: 5’8″ / 70″
- Stance: Southpaw
- Strengths: Devastating knockout power; first-round finishes (10); aggressive southpaw style.
- Weaknesses: Lone loss exposes vulnerability to precise counters; limited experience in deep rounds.
Recent Form (Last 5 Fights):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| Aug 9, 2025 | Alberto Puello | Loss | Split Decision | 12 / 5:00 |
| Mar 2, 2025 | Jovanie Santiago | Win | KO (Punches) | 1 / 1:45 |
| Sep 7, 2024 | Kent Cruz | Win | TKO (Punches) | 3 / 2:19 |
| Apr 20, 2024 | Michael Williams Jr. | Win | KO (Punches) | 1 / 0:50 |
| Nov 25, 2023 | Miguel Madueno | Win | TKO (Punches) | 2 / 1:33 |
Russell enters with a 17-1 record post his sole loss, showcasing power but needing to rebound from a title setback.
Andy Hiraoka (“The Blade”)
- Record: 24-0-0 (19 KOs)
- Age: 28
- Height/Reach: 5’11” / 73″
- Stance: Southpaw
- Strengths: Undefeated; knockout artist; utilizes length effectively.
- Weaknesses: Untested against elite power punchers; visa issues delayed prep.
Recent Form (Last 5 Fights):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| Oct 13, 2025 | Baranchyk Ivan | Win | TKO (Punches) | 5 / 2:45 |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Yamato Ito | Win | Unanimous Decision | 12 / 5:00 |
| Dec 25, 2024 | Wilfredo Flores | Win | KO (Punches) | 3 / 1:20 |
| Aug 3, 2024 | Aquiles Correa | Win | TKO (Punches) | 2 / 2:55 |
| Mar 30, 2024 | Sebastian Formella | Win | Unanimous Decision | 10 / 5:00 |
Hiraoka maintains a perfect 24-0 mark, blending decisions and knockouts in his rise.
Fight History
This marks the inaugural clash between Russell and Hiraoka. No previous meetings or shared opponents provide comparisons, but as southpaws, their stances could lead to a trap-heavy fight where positioning determines the outcome.
FIGHT ODDS
Gary Antuanne Russell – 350
Andy Hiraoka + 275
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 20, 2026
