Gary Russell Jr. will look for his first world title when he faces Jhonny Gonzalez on March 28 in Carson, Calif. (Photo: Tom Casino/Showtime)

By Chris Robinson

Gary Russell Jr. will look to break through with his first world title when he faces WBC featherweight champion Jhonny Gonzalez on March 28.

Russell (25-1, 14 KO’s) gave a very spirited effort vs. reigning champion Vasyl Lomachenko this past June but he came up short by way of majority decision, as the Ukrainian’s speed, power, and accuracy was a bit too much for him.

Russell bounced back with a 10-round unanimous decision over Chris Martin in December and he will have a tough assignment in Gonzalez (57-8, 48 KO’s), one of the more seasoned and deadly punchers in the lower weight divisions.

The 33-year old Mexican shocked Abner Mares in August of 2013 with a wicked first round knockout and he will surely be gunning to take out Russell next month.

Russell figures to have an excellent shot in this fight, however, as he likely learned much from the Lomachneko match and brings a wide array of gifts into the ring, including some of the fastest hands in boxing.

Word is this fight could very well end up at the infamous StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., the home to many of boxing’s recent classics.

Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com