Russian lightweights Rustam Nugaev and Denis Shafikov will meet in a world title eliminator in the main event of the Aug. 15 edition of ESPN2's Friday Night Fights.
The winner of the bout, which will take place at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California, will become the mandatory challenger for titleholder Miguel Vazquez (34-3, 13 KOs) of Mexico.
I have been trying to get Rustam in an important fight for one year now, promoter Gary Shaw told ESPN.com on Wednesday. The IBF had a hard time getting anyone to accept the fight for No. 1, as they know how tough Nugaev is. This is a very tough fight against a very tough fighter, and I expect a war. I was happy to be able to make this fight.
Nugaev (27-6-1, 17 KOs), 31, is riding a six-fight winning streak, including an impressive fourth-round knockout of former title challenger Marvin Quintero on March 7.
The 29-year-old Shafikov (33-1-1, 18 KOs), a southpaw, got a world title opportunity in his last fight but lost a unanimous decision to Vazquez on Feb. 22 in Macau.
Junior lightweight prospect Jose Pedraza (17-0, 11 KOs), 25, of Puerto Rico is ticketed for the co-feature against an opponent to be determined.
http://espn.go.com/
Related Fight Posts
- 2014/07/19 -- Maidana vs. Mayweather 2: Upset in the making?
(Photo credit: Idris Irba) By MM: With the rematch set, and the fight tour underway, most fight fans feel that F... - 2014/07/19 -- Boxing Returns to Fort Washington, MD tonight
There will be a nine-bout card coming to Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD tonight. The Keystone Boxing p... - 2014/07/19 -- Kevin Casey on Second UFC Run: I’m Here to Make Statements, Not Be Nice to People
Kevin Casey has been a very busy man in the last 12 months.
He had three fights in Resurrection Fighting Allia... - 2014/07/21 -- Toughest jobs in sports: Sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao
Jeff Eisenberg writes for us:
VENTURA, Calif. — Moments after going five rounds with a sparring partner w... - 2014/07/19 -- Donald Cerrone vs. Jim Miller full fight video highlights
Round 1: Well, this is expected to be a wild one...here we go. Dan Miragliotta is the ref. They touch gloves, an... - 2014/07/20 -- Holly Holm: The Preacher’s Daughter is Here
After Ronda Rousey finished Alexis Davis in 16 seconds last Saturday night in the co-main event of UFC 175 in L... - 2014/07/20 -- For Barboza, Loss a Learning Experience
When you hear someone referred to as a “martial artist,” it’s easy to ignore the oxymoron of the term.
By defin... - 2014/07/20 -- Invicta 8 to Air Exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS
Las Vegas, Nevada – UFC FIGHT PASS, the UFC’s digital streaming service, is proud to announce UFCFIGHTPASS.com ... - 2014/07/19 -- Jackson’s MMA Announces Their Association (Affiliate) Program
Jackson’s MMA Announces That They Will Start Their Association Program Allowing Gyms To Affiliate With One Of Th... - 2014/07/19 -- Half-Year Awards: The Fighters
This is it – the unofficial half-year awards season is coming to a close, and all that’s left is to determine t... - 2014/07/19 -- Undefeated Holly Holm Signs with Ultimate Fighting Championship
After what seems like an eternity, former boxing standout and Legacy FC 135-pound champion Holly Holm has signed...