Russell-Escandon, Dirrell-Uzcategui set for May 20

Gary Russell Jr’s next title defense and Andre Dirrell’s next step toward another world title shot are both set, as Showtime will air those fights on May 20 from Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Russell (27-1, 16 KO) will defend his WBC featherweight title against Oscar Escandon (25-2, 17 KO) just outside of Russell’s hometown, in a fight that was originally slated for March 11 but was postponed due to injury.

Dirrell (25-2, 16 KO) will face Jose Uzcategui (26-1, 22 KO) in an IBF super middleweight eliminator, with the winner set to face James DeGale for the title when DeGale returns from injury.

Dirrell faced DeGale for the vacant title in May 2015, losing a narrow decision where he rallied to get himself back into the fight after a poor start. Uzcategui, from Venezuela and now fighting out of Mexico, has won four straight following a loss to Matt Korobov in the summer of 2014.