Rustam Nugaev: record, next fight and profile →
Earlier today BoxingScene.com reported that lightweight contender Ray Beltran had declined an opportunity to face former lightweight champion Juan Diaz in a bout that would have been televised on HBO as the chief support to the Terence Crawford-Yuriorkis Gamboa main event.
A story that ran on BoxingScene.com yesterday revealed that a lightweight clash between former champion Juan Diaz and #1 rated contender Ray Beltran was close to being finalized to take place on the Terence Crawford-Yuriorkis Gamboa undercard. The story can be found here: https://www.boxingscene.com/juan-diaz-ray-beltran-looms-crawford-gamboa--77524
It was a tough and unfortunate break for Marvin Quintero. One could make the case that he was winning his bout against contender Rustam Nugaev, but an unfortunate and freak injury forced him to quit on his stool.
Welterweight Dusty Hernandez-Harrison won a six round unanimous decision over Michael Balasi. After an even first round, both exchanged combinations in the center of the ring in the second round. A three-punch combination to the head dropped Balasi to the canvas. Balasi was not hurt and pressed the action for the remainder of the round. His persistence paid off as he dropped Harrison with a lead left cross to the head.
SAN DIEGO - Gary Shaw Productions presents, ESPN "Friday Night Fights" March 7th at the Pala Casino Spa and Resort in Pala, California. The card is headlined by the rejuvenated Russian warrior and top Lightweight contender, Rustam Nugaev as he takes on Mexico's Marvin Quintero in a 10-round lightweight tilt. The bout will go a long way in deciding the next potential title challenger at 135lbs. Nugaev (26-6-1, 16KOs) is riding a five fight win streak -- four of which stem from his 2013 campaign -- and has revived his career after not competing in 2012. He is certainly knocking on the door of a title shot and a win against Quintero (25-4, 21KOs), who is coming off a loss at the hands of IBF lightweight champion Miguel Vazquez, would propel him that much closer. Nugaev is currently ranked WBA # 3, WBC # 7 and IBF # 9.
NEW JERSEY - Gary Shaw Productions lightweight contender Rustam Nugaev (26-6-1, 16 KOs), who is ranked WBA # 3, WBC # 7 and IBF # 9, is issuing a challenge to WBO Jr. Lightweight champion Mikey Garcia (34-0, 28 KOs), if the Oxnard, California based fighter were to move up to the Lightweight division. "If you move up to 135 you need to go through me, a real fighter," said Nugaev. "Not Gamboa who will run the entire fight. If you want a fight, then fight me...if you want to bore the fans on HBO, fight Gamboa. Just like you, I'm a warrior with a lot of heart, who wants to put on a great show for the fans. Let's make it happen. "
In his debut as a heavyweight contender, Lateef Kayode stopped overmatched Travis Fulton in the second round of a scheduled six round bout. Kayode (19-0, 15 KOs) was returning from an 18-month layoff, having not fought since his June 2012 bout against Antonio Tarver. Any questions about Kayode's power at heavyweight were immediately answered as Kayode stunned Fulton a number of times. Near the end of the first round, a left-right combination dropped Fulton (21-34-1, 20 KOs) flat onto his back. Fulton was able to survive the round.
INDIO, Calif. - With a perfect 21-0 record, Santa Ana's Ronny Rios is on the fast track to a world featherweight title shot. On Saturday, Sept. 7, he will perform in front of his Southern California faithful at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. in the lead undercard bout before SHOWTIME® takes to the airwaves with a memorable doubleheader featuring two top heavyweight contenders, a Mexican legend, and a rising star looking to make a name for himself.
Jose Pedraza kept his unbeaten record intact with a 10-round points win over Gabriel Tolmajyan in their ESPN2-televised co-feature bout Friday evening in Cabazon, California. Scores were 97-93 across the board for Pedraza, who jumped out to an early lead and fended off a late rally from noted spoiler Tolmajyan. Pedraza advances to 14-0 (9KO), picking up his most significant win to date. Tolmajyan - who has scored upset wins against two of his previously three unbeaten opponents - falls to 14-3-1 (3KO).
ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS is ready to go. The weight are in from the MORONGO CASINO in Cabazon, California