Ukrainian Viktor Postol Will Stay On Showtime Saturday Card

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, so does the intersection of geopolitics, war mayhem and of boxing. And, that is the case for the Showtime Championship Boxing card in Las Vegas Saturday night that will feature former WBC Junior Welterweight titleholder, Ukrainian Viktor Postol on the undercard.

On Thursday, as the fighters met with the media, Postol made clear that he is monitoring the events back in his homeland and that while his wife, children and extended family are safe, he will stay and battle unbeaten 140 lb. contender, Gary Antuanne Russell.

The 38-year-old Postal said Thursday afternoon of the situation involving the Russian invasion of his country,

"A person that is determined can become dangerous. They can become ruthless. I'm one of them."@AntuanneRussell is ready to make a statement 👀🔥

Watch the #ColbertGarcia presser now: https://t.co/X6sGF40XMa pic.twitter.com/9CDFIrLs1x

— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) February 24, 2022

“The situation in Ukraine has escalated a lot and it’s hard not to think about it. I’m working on focusing on the fight. My family is in the middle of everything, but they are safe and that’s what is most important.”

Postol, is 31-3, with 12 KOs will take on Russell, who is the unbeaten featured fighter at 14-0 on the undercard of Chris Colbert battling Hector Garcia in the main event.

Postol is clearly at the end of his career after having been beaten on a close decision by Jose Ramirez back in August of 2020. He has not fought since and has only fought two times, since the beginning of 2019.

Still, the Ukrainian did reach world champion status with a shocking upset knockout of Lucas Matthysse in Carson, California in October 2015. But, he lost a unification title fight in his next bout in July of 2016 to Terence Crawford on a 12-round decision. Postol was also beaten by current Undisputed 140-pound Champion Josh Taylor on decision in June of 2018.

So, needless to say he’s a veteran with a ton of experience who’s expected to give Russell a test. However you have to wonder if the events going on half a world away from Las Vegas in Ukraine aren’t a significant distraction to Postol in combination with his advanced age, lack of activity, etc.

And obviously, Russell who’s knocked out all 14 of his pro opponents will have something to say about it, too.

We will get the answers at the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino Saturday night.