Gary Antuanne Russell Calls Out 140-Pound Elite After Debated Hiraoka Win

Boxing News

by Robert Segal

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Gary Antuanne Russell made headlines after his recent victory in a highly debated match against Hiraoka, but instead of focusing on the win, he wasted no time calling out the rest of the 140-pound boxing elite. This move has sparked fresh discussions about the state of the division and the integrity of scoring systems in professional boxing. The bout, held in London, was a grueling contest that left fans and analysts divided over the outcome. While Russell emerged victorious, many questioned the judges' decision, with some suggesting the scores were inconsistent with the fight's dynamics. This controversy has now become central to the narrative surrounding Russell's career, as he uses the win as an opportunity to challenge the credibility of his competitors. In a bold post-fight statement, Russell criticized the 140-pound division for not producing stronger competition and accused some fighters of gaming the system to secure favorable outcomes. His comments have reignited debates about the transparency and fairness of boxing's judging process, particularly in lightweight divisions where margins are often razor-thin. Russell's outspoken approach reflects a growing trend among boxers to address perceived injustices in the sport, both inside and outside the ring. By speaking out, he aims to raise awareness about issues that could impact the reputation and competitiveness of his division, ultimately pushing for reforms that ensure fairer outcomes for all fighters. This situation matters because it highlights broader challenges within professional boxing, such as the subjectivity of judging decisions and the need for clearer guidelines

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Originally published on Boxing News on 2/23/2026