WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela intends to make a statement in his first world title defense as he takes on one of the division’s top contenders in Gary Antuanne Russell on Saturday, March 1 in the explosive co-main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

“I don't believe that Gary Antuanne Russell belongs here with me,” said Valenzuela. “He’s a strong, solid, durable fighter. He’s good, but I think he’s a little stiff when I look at him more. I worked my ass off to get here, and this is a bit of a handout for him. I took two tough losses and came back from hell to get the ‘Pitbull’ Cruz fight and conquer that. Russell has had everything given to him and I think it's gonna show on March 1.”

The 25-year-old Valenzuela (14-2, 9 KOs) earned his world title in his last fight, dethroning fellow Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz via decision last Summer. Facing one of the sport’s premier action fighters, Valenzuela believes he showed all the levels to his game by delivering a signature performance.

“My mentality going into the ‘Pitbull’ fight was that I was gonna show that I'm a more diverse fighter than I got credit for, not just a knockout puncher,” said Valenzuela. “I have a full arsenal. I showed my poise in the ring and I showed my ring generalship. There were a lot of little things that I did that had a major effect in the fight.”

Heading into that fight, Valenzuela had come off of back-to-back training camps with famed trainer Robert Garcia and will look to continue the steady improvement that he’s shown since teaming up with one of the sport’s best.

“Having Robert Garcia in my corner gives me a lot of confidence,” said Valenzuela. “He's really fixed my fundamentals. Everything comes together nicely when we're working together. This training camp is going great. I've been conquering every day with hard work. I'm taking it all in and learning each day. It's just about learning the techniques and working hard.”

While Valenzuela was able to show off his versatility in out-boxing Cruz on his way to a decision, he believes that the style matchup with Russell will force him to go toe-to-toe on March 1, delivering fireworks for fans tuning in.

“Fans can expect an action-packed fight,” said Valenzuela. “Stylistically it's a great matchup with him being a lefty and coming with the high guard marching forward. Gary is a lot taller than ‘Pitbull’. I knew I could dance around ‘Pitbull’, but with Gary I think I'm gonna have to fight through him.”

Valenzuela will be making the first defense of his title against Russell, a 2016 U.S. Olympian who comes from one of the sport’s preeminent boxing families, as he’s trained by his brother, former WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. By voluntarily taking on such a stiff challenge in his first title defense, Valenzuela intends to prove his standing in the stacked 140-pound division.

“Taking on Gary Antuanne for my first title defense says a lot about me,” said Valenzuela. “People have to respect it. My name is on the radar because of the kind of opposition I'm going up against.

“I think I'm at the top of this division with guys like Teofimo Lopez and Alberto Puello,” said Valenzuela. “I believe strongly that I can beat all of these guys. It's just a matter of taking it one fight at a time. Gary Antuanne Russell is in the way of where I'm trying to get to. I've got my full attention on him and I give him his respect. But there's more that I want to do. My story is gonna continue after this.”