Lightweight contender Marvin Quintero (25-4, 21 KOs) is out of his IBF lightweight final eliminator against Ammeth Diaz (31-11, 22 KOs). Quintero was forced to pull out of the April 5th bout — which was scheduled to be the main event of ESPN Friday Night Fights — after breaking his nose in camp.
The main event has been revamped and fans in attendance at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California will get an opportunity to see fast rising lightweight Jonathan Maicello (19-0, 11 KOs) as he squares off with Russian lightweight Rustam Nugaev (22-6-1, 12 KOs) in a 10 round catch weight of 137lbs.
Maicello, from New Jersey by way of Peru, will now get the opportunity to move from the untelevised portion of the card to the headliner spot and he plans on taking full advantage. He’s used to being in the spotlight as he was a celebrity guest in his native country on Puer’s version of “Dancing With The Stars”.
“I’ve always been the type of fighter that is willing to go above and beyond to fulfill my dreams. You have to always be ready because you never know when opportunity wlll come knocking. That is why you have to always keep your mind and body in the best condition because you always have to be ready for whatever life has planned. I won’t let this shot go to waste and that is why I plan on putting on the kind of performance that will leave a lasting impression on the television audience,” Maicello said.
Maicello is being matched against a rugged fighter in Nugaev, and although Nugaev hasn’t been active in over a year, he is confident that he has the ability to capitalize off of the same opportunity being afforded to his opponent.
“I’m ready to comeback stronger and better than ever. I feel that my record and experience trumps my opponent’s and I will use that to my advantage come fight night,” Nugaev said.
While the main event has received a makeover, the card’s co-feature remains as scheduled with Puerto Rican knockout artist Jorge Maysonet Jr. (11-0, 10KOs) taking on southpaw Gabriel Tolmajyan (13-2-1, 3KOs) in a lightweight contest scheduled for 10 rounds.
Early evidence suggests that Maysonet Jr. is a genuine powerhouse and his supporters are enthusiastic about seeing him display his authentic punching prowess. Gary Shaw is excited as anyone to see Maysonet Jr. in action as he is one of Puerto Rico’s brightest rising starts.
“The injury Marvin sustained is unfortunate and I was really looking forward to his fight with Diaz, but Jonathan is a tremendous talent and he has the chance to move up the rankings. I truly believe that he isn’t far from putting himself in a position to earn his own eliminators and with Jorge on the card fans will get the chance to better familiarize themselves with his talents. This card is all about the upcoming talent in the 135-140 divisions and fans should be excited about the rich matchups that can be made in the future, but it starts with the April 5th card,” Shaw said.
