Jhonny Gonzalez to fight Gary Russell Jr on March 28

WBC featherweight champion Jhonny Gonzalez (57-8, 48 KOs) will defend his title against American contender Gary Russell Jr . (25-1, 14 KOs) on March 28 at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

Mexican Gonzalez, 33, who is a two-time world featherweight champion and former world bantamweight champion, regained his 126-pound title when he knocked out Abner Mares in the first round in a major upset in August 2013 and will be defending it for the third time.

Southpaw Russell, 26, is attempting to win a world title for the second time after losing on points to two-time Olympic gold medalist Vasyl Lomachenko for the vacant WBO title in June.

Also on the card, Jermell Charlo (25-0, 11 KOs) takes on Vanes Martirosyan (35-1-1, 21 KOs) in a light middleweight contest, with the winner likely to challenge for a world title.