Gary Antuanne Russell is getting thrust straight back into the world title picture.

Last time out in June, Russell suffered the first loss of his career against Alberto Puello via split decision for the WBC interim junior welterweight belt.

On Saturday night, Russell (17-1-1, 17 KOs) will get another bite at the championship apple when he challenges WBA 140-pound crown holder Jose Valenzuela (14-2, 9 KOs).

The bout will be the co-main event for the card headlined by Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Prime Video and PPV.com.

“The way I see it, I have a shot at something that can catapult me to a great position,” said Russell. “I already see myself as an elite fighter. I took my loss on the chin. It’s all about how you bounce back. That’s what defines a true champion.

“Last fight I kind of deviated from some of the stuff I had been doing in the past. I’ve moved onto this fight and I’m ready to get back to what got me here. I want to clean out the division and I have to win on March 1 in order to do that.”

The knockout artist Russell will have plenty of work to do if he wants to be the king at 140 pounds. Other champions in the division include Teofimo Lopez Jr. (The Ring/WBO), Richardson Hitchins (IBF), and Puello (WBC), who faces Sandor Martin in the fight before him.

Russell is not currently ranked in The Ring’s top 10 in the weight class; Valenzuela is No. 10. The likes of Arnold Barboza, Jack Catterall, Liam Paro, Subriel Matias, Josh Taylor, and Andy Hiraoka make out the rest of the ranked contenders outside of the champions.

“I’m coming in there with a chip on my shoulder because of the loss,” said Russell. “I want to prove something in every fight, but this fight I have to do even more. I don’t want to just be mediocre. I have to make a statement.

“Valenzuela will force me to use some movements different from what I had to use against Puello. I don’t know if Valenzuela has a more suitable style, but he has a style that will make the fight more entertaining than against Puello.

“I can’t overlook Rayo. He’s a great fighter and I know he’ll come in with a strong game plan. It’ll come down to who is able to overcome adversity.”