September 4, 2013 – Gary Shaw Productions lightweight contender, Rustam “The Mongoose” Nugaev (25-6-1, 15 KOs) has been spectacular since his return to the ring after a two year layoff due to personal issues. In his first fight back Nugaev destroyed undefeated Peruvian star, Jonathan Maicelo (20-1, 12 KOs) by means of an 8th round KO. The fight was nationally shown on ESPN “Friday Night Fights”, the first televised fight of Nugaev’s career.
“When I fought Maicelo, I wanted to show the world that I’m a fighter who is ready to take the lightweight division by storm,” said Nugaev. “I was so excited to showcase my skills to a national audience. I wasn’t going to let the opportunity pass me by. There was nothing Maicelo could have done to defeat me. I was determined to come out victorious and I did so with a powerful knockout.”
Gary Shaw was very impressed with Nugaev’s victory against Maicelo as he stated, “Rustam Nugaev showed he has the talent to compete against any of the top lightweights in the world. Maicelo is a very good fighter, and for Nuegaev to knock him out the way he did is very impressive. Rustam has a great chin and he’s relentless with his pressure style.”
After ending Maicelo’s unbeaten record, Nugaev followed up with two more knockouts victories against veteran Daniel Attah (28-16-1, 11 KOs) and Texas’ Jose Hernandez (14-7-1, 6 KOs). Against Hernandez, Nugaev would once again get an opportunity to fight on a national stage as the fight was televised on ESPN “Friday Night Fights” for the second time in his career. Nugaev dazzled with a 5th round destruction of Hernandez.
“Every time I step in the ring I’m looking to knockout my opponent,” Nugaev stated. “I don’t want to leave any decisions in the hands of judges. I want to really thank Gary Shaw for giving me the opportunity to fight on national TV and for believing in me. I’m not going to let him down. My goal is to win a world title and give Gary Shaw Productions a new champion.”
“Rustam will have every opportunity to become something special in this sport,” said Gary Shaw. “He’s currently ranked No. 6 by the WBA and a world title shot is looming. Right now I believe he beats all the champions a lightweight.”
