Gary Antuanne Russell watches Dalton Smith before Shakur

“If he’s going to be a businessman and be business savvy, go ahead, man, and take your success to the next level. Go ahead and take the rest of these titles,” Antuanne Russell told MillCity Boxing. “If he’s willing, fight someone with a belt. unite. If you’re not going to unite, go up and campaign at 147 and make some good deals. Put it in writing.”

Antuanne later identified Smith as the fighter he wanted next following the collapse of Smith’s previously discussed fight against Alberto Puello.

“Honestly, I want Dalton Smith. I’m glad the fight between him and Puello fell through because now I can really try to get a contract and send it to his ass,” Russell said. “If we’re going to fight in the UK, I’ll go to his backyard just like how Errol Spence did Kell Brook. I’ll go to your backyard, cook you. Once I cook you, there’s nothing nobody can say. We’re coming back home, coming back to the United States with that title.”

Russell also explained why he believes a fight against Shakur Stevenson makes more sense down the line instead of immediately.

“I said before that I wanted to let things build with me and Shakur because they told me who would you go down the line,” Antuanne Russell said. “I told Shakur last time. Why? because he got the credentials and it shows that he’s earned his position. It wouldn’t be smart business-wise with that. Of course he’s a champion. He’s got a belt and I’d like to fight the other champions, but let the numbers add up.”

During the interview, Russell repeatedly insisted that champions should face each other rather than continuing to take mandatory defenses against lesser-known opponents.

“The best that’s supposed to compete against the best. And if you have a title, you’re considered the best, one of the best. Go ahead and make it happen and take the offer,” Russell said.