By Carlos Boogs

Gary Russell Jr. (26-1, 15 KOs) is looking to start off 2016 in a very big way. Before he can get to that point, he must return his WBC featherweight championship on November 14.

Russell will make his first defense against Colombia's Oscar Escandón (24-2, 16 KOs) in the main event of Showtime televised card from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

If Russell is victorious, he wants to face WBA champion Leo Santa Cruz, IBF champion Lee Selby or even Abner Mares next.

Russell and all three of his potential targets are managed by Al Haymon and fight under the Premier Boxing Champions umbrella.

"If I get past Escandon I would love to fight Leo Santa Cruz, we fought in the amateurs.  But we never underestimate any opponent and we are focused on getting this fight out of the way first. Lee Selby is another guy that we're looking at.  Of course Abner Mares, even though he lost, would be a great fight.  These are the type of guys that we'd like to fight," Russell said.

Russell is not expecting an easy night with Escandon, who has something to prove after losing a close split decision in his last fight to Moises Flores in April. Russell on the other hand has been on a roll since suffering his first career defeat last year to Vasyl Lomachenko.  

Russell will stay defensive, use his speed and stick to his game plan of outboxing Escandon to a decision or a knockout victory.

"Oscar Escandon is strong and durable. He comes straight forward. If his corner was smart they would try to take away my hand speed which will be a big factor in the fight. He'll need to close the distance, smother my punches so speed isn't a factor," Russell said.

 

"I know that I will be victorious without a doubt. Anyone that you get in the ring with these small, 8-ounce gloves always has a possibility of creating an upset whether he's a big puncher or not.  It only takes one shot.  It's the fighters' job to take away that opportunity."