ESPN2 FNF: Jonathan Maicelo vs. Rustam Nagaev RBR

Gradovich will forever have my gratitude for liberating Dib's hostage IBF belt, even if he should go on to quickly hot potato it and never do much of anything else.

I gotta say, though, as usual ESPN managed to find a way to make a very ugly fight seem like a thriller by distilling the highlights. :yep

 

Jonathan Maicelo vs. Rustam Nagaev, 12 rounds @ lightweight, for the vacant USBA title.

 

A Peruvian and Russian vying for the American 135lb title?

Yeah, OK. Seems legit.

 

Yes.

 

Apparently it's scheduled for 10, not 12.

 

Round 1

Quick double hook by Maicelo. Nagaev stands on the outside, stiff. Nagaev catches the busy hooks of Maicelo on his arms but can't keep them all out. Too much quick movement and too many different planes of attack by Maicelo, stinging Nagaev with those hooks from high and low while constantly keeping him whirling. Nagaev stabs out with long shots and tries building into a hooking combo up close. Maicelo slips punches and claps over the top with a right hand while leaning inside.

10-9 Maicelo