Rather than pushing for an immediate clash with one of boxing’s biggest names, Russell believes both fighters should continue building their resumes before finally colliding.

Antuanne Russell explained that delaying the fight has nothing to do with avoiding Shakur.

“I said I will fight him last. Why? Because I want to build the buzz. I mean whoop some ass. There’s some names out there, top contenders and other title holders out there who I can get on, and I come out victorious against them. Build a buzz, and then I fight Shakur on the back end,” said Antuanne to Mill City Boxing.

Russell stressed that he has always wanted the fight but feels it will attract far more attention if both continue winning first.

“It was never a thing about me not being prepared for him. It’s just that I want to build the buzz. I want the buildup to be the ultimate climax when we do fight,” said Russell.

His comments come only weeks after surviving a difficult battle with Hiraoka. Russell retained his title, but the Japanese contender enjoyed sustained success throughout the fight and landed plenty of clean punches, particularly in the second half when he had Russell under constant pressure. Many observers believed the contest could easily have been scored a draw or even in Hiraoka’s favor, making Russell’s willingness to postpone a lucrative fight with Shakur an unexpected position.

Russell also welcomed Shakur’s reported interest in facing him after the unbeaten four-division champion recently mentioned he’d rather fight Russell than Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela.

“I’m glad he said that because I’ve always wanted to take that offer anyway. But business is business, and everybody’s entitled to their decision and opinions.”

Russell says his priority is facing other champions, mandatory challengers and top contenders before revisiting Stevenson. If both remain unbeaten at 140 pounds, the fight could become one of the division’s biggest attractions, although Russell appears content to let that matchup wait while he attempts to strengthen his standing after a title defense that raised more questions than answers.