Gary Antuanne Russell Records Controversial Win By Sixth-Round TKO

Gary Antuanne Russell continues to keep his knockout streak alive.

Russell (16-0, 16 KOs) stopped Rances Barthelemy (29-2-1, 15 KOs) in the sixth round at :50 seconds. But the win over the former world champion didn’t come without controversy; Barthelemy seemed like he would be able to continue.

“No, they shouldn’t have stopped it,” Barthelemy said after.

“I felt good, it was good shot, I’m not denying that, but they shouldn’t have stopped it. I got up and told him I’m fine and I’m good to go Of course I want the rematch, but with a different referee.”

It marked Barthelemy’s first loss in four years.

Russell set the tone for the fight in the first round. But Barthelemy didn’t give up as he managed to hurt his opponent in the final seconds of the first.

Russell continued to press in the second round, but Barthelemy was able to go toe-to-toe with Russell.

But then the bout was over in the sixth.

Russell caught Barthelemy with a leaping right hook to the jaw.

“In the sixth round I had him backing up, I knew he was looking for his right cross,” Russell said.

“I caught him backing up and I shot my hook and put him down, he was buzzed but he wanted to keep going. He’s a warrior.”

Barthelemy got back to his feet and seemed like he was able to continue, but the referee waved off the bout. Barthelemy’s corner strongly disagreed with the decision.