Barclays Center, Brooklyn - Gary Antuanne Russell (18-1, 17 KOs) cruised to a unanimous 12-round decision to win his first world championship by dethroning now-former WBA Super Lightweight World Champion José “Rayo” Valenzuela (14-3, 9 KOs).

The 28-year-old Russell admitted to feeling offended by Valenzuela’s pre-fight contention that he was “nothing special,” and, as promised, came out firing from the opening bell with speed, power in both hands and an unrelenting pressure, which allowed him to dominate the action while effectively muting Valenzuela’s usual offensive fireworks in return.

After five clear rounds for Russell to begin the action, Valenzuela’s corner implored him to pick up the aggression after round six, but the 25-year-old’s attempt to initiate more exchanges left him briefly stunned by an uppercut and follow-up hook from Russell late in round seven.

A left-right combination appeared to stun Valenzuela again in round eight and lumped up his right eye.

Russell turned up his aggression in round nine, as he battered Valenzuela around the ring with both hands throughout the stanza and outlanded him 20-4 in power punches. The ringside physician elected to have a look at the champion before the start of round 10 and again before rounds 11 and 12.

Valenzuela’s trainer, Robert Garcia, implored him not to come out for the final round, but the now-former champion refused. To his credit, Valenzuela was able to send Russell’s mouthpiece flying with a hook in the final frame.

Russell overwhelmed Valenzuela, throwing 957 punches and landing 252. Russell averaged 80 punches thrown and 21 punches landed per round. Valenzuela averaged 37 and 11 respectively. Valenzuela was never in the fight as reflected by the judges’ scores: 119-109, 119-109, and 120-108- all for Russell.

“I want to thank god,” said Russell, post-fight. “This is a small steppingstone. I’m going for the rest of the belts. I love y’all for supporting us. Thank you for making this arena a grand arena. I did it for DC and my family. We onto the next!”

When asked about the secret of his success, Russell said, “A rule of thumb in my profession is you have to follow instructions. My brother always told me, the difference between great and good is inches or centimeters and the ability to produce, because that what it takes.”

Alluding to being called nothing special, Russell claimed the perceived sleight added more fuel to the fire. “It motivated me a hell of a lot,” he said. “In this sport, you have to be dominant. You have to have a mentality that is rough, and he brought it out of me. I had the right dance partner in front of me and I’m glad he gave me the opportunity. I told him to keep that same energy because I’m bringing it in the ring.

“My father would be proud of me,” he concluded. “This is a steppingstone. This is a marathon. In a marathon, you come across the table with some water, but that’s just a pitstop so you can keep going to the next. I’m coming!”