Gary Shaw Productions highly ranked lightweight contender, Rustam Nugaev (27-6-1, 17 KOs), who's rated IBF #5, WBC #3 and WBA #7, is less than two weeks away from his mandatory IBF elimination bout with Denis Shafikov (33-1-1, 18 KOs). The 12-round bout will air live on ESPN "Friday Night Fights" and will take place at Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif., on August 15, 2014.
Nugaev on the current state of his training camp...
"Training camp has been very hard this time around. We always train hard but in this camp we stepped it up a bit. I've been sparring with top level opposition and I'm in great shape. I feel my punches are landing with a lot of force. There are no corners being cut in this camp and I'll be ready to fight to the death against Shafikov."
Nugaev on training with Rudy Hernandez...
"Rudy is an excellent trainer who understands the boxing game. He's been around for many years and he's teaching me all the tricks of the trade. There are a lot of little things he teaches me that helps me prepare against certain styles. Every fighter is different and Rudy knows how to put the game plan together for each opponent. Together we are going to the top."
Nugaev speaks on fighting in a world title elimination bout...
"I feel I've earned my way to this position by beating top contenders. Against Macielo, who was undefeated and rated very high, I was able to knock him out. No one has been able to go the distance with me in my last five fights. This is my chance to get one step closer to fight for a world title and I'm not going to let it slip away."
Nugaev talks about his opponent Denis Shafikov...
"Shafikov recently fought for the IBF world title but came up short against Miguel Vasquez. That is his only loss so I know he can fight. He does a lot of things well in the ring and I'm going to have to be smart when we fight. I feel I have the power to slow him down and get him out of there before the final bell rings. This will be an all out war and the fans will please with my performance.
Nugaev talks about fighting on ESPN "Friday Night Fights"...
"Fighting on ESPN "Friday Night Fights" is great because everyone can tune in and see me fight. I've done a lot of damage on this network and I'm looking to do the same against Shafikov. I want to thank my promoter Gary Shaw for this opportunity."
The ESPN "Friday Night Fights" telecast begins Friday August 15, 2014 at 9:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST from the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif.
Tickets priced $35, $50, $65, $85, and $95 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Chumash Casino Box office or online at HERE. Doors open at 5:00 P.M, first fight starts at 5:30 P.M.