“I’ve definitely got to call it quits now,” Russell said when asked about possible fights after Saturday. “Even if it’s a fantasy, I can’t overlook this guy in front of me. He’s undefeated. He’s young.”
Russell’s comments reflect the reality of his position at 140 pounds. He holds a world title but has yet to establish long-term control of the division, and any setback would immediately remove him from the conversation surrounding the biggest fights.
Hiraoka enters the fight undefeated and largely unknown to American fans, but Russell has made it clear that he is preparing for the toughest version of his opponent rather than expecting advantages.
“I have to expect the best version of him,” Russell said. “I’d be a fool not to. I don’t miss any opponents.”
Russell also acknowledged the temptation to focus on higher-profile opponents, including Shakur Stevenson, but admitted those ambitions cannot affect his preparation.
“If I were to beat him, I feel like I’d shake up the world,” Russell said of Stevenson. “But at the moment I have to focus on the opponent in front of me.”
The discipline reflects Russell’s understanding of how quickly momentum can disappear in boxing. He won the WBA title in his most recent appearance, but remains in the early stages of defining himself as champion rather than challenger.
Russell believes his best performances are yet to come, but he admitted that to prove that, he has to deal with immediate responsibilities first.
“I have yet to show everyone my full potential,” Russell said. “I only use what I have to use to win with the opponents I have in front of me.”
His approach makes it clear that he understands the position he holds. Russell is champion, but his position remains vulnerable until he proves he can defend the title against whoever is placed in front of him.
