Gary Antuanne Russell isn’t just a highly-ranked super lightweight contender who enjoys watching his opponents exit the ring on a stretcher. He’s a deep thinker, someone that pontificates himself at all times.

At the moment, his thoughts and dreams have yet to be realized. Racking up the wins is important but placing a few world titles on his mantle is his ultimate goal. Presently, however, collecting those trinkets will require patience. With all four titles scattered across the world and in the hands of different fighters, Russell (17-0, 17 KOs) is ready to do some traveling. It might be arduous work but in order to be the man, Russell knows it must be done.

“I wanna clean out my division,” Russell told MillCity Boxing.

Teofimo Lopez, Rolando “Rolly” Romero, Regis Prograis, and Subriel Matias are the four champions Russell will have to eventually get through…give or take. But just because he wants to get his hands on them, it doesn’t mean his wish will be granted.

Lopez, who’s in possession of the WBO title, appears to be only interested in big fights against recognizable names. Romero, in the meanwhile, is dealing with an injury that will leave him out of the picture until early 2024. Prograis, the division’s WBC champion, is set to take on Devin Haney on December 9th.

As for Matias, he’ll make his return later tonight against Shohjahon Ergashev. Matias has a unique style. He isn’t a pure boxer, nor does he enjoy a slow tempo. The IBF belt holder simply buries his face into his opponent’s chest, pushes them back, and wails away until they’re coughing up blood.

The 31-year-old might be considered a violent puncher but Russell isn’t worried about what he brings to the table. The only thing that matters to him is becoming a world champion. And, whether Matias knows it or not, Russell has an eye on him.

“You just another person in the way.”