Unbeaten Heavyweight With 19 KOs Chases Ninth Straight First-Spherical BKB Clobbering

Undefeated heavyweight Gustavo Trujillo has already knocked out 19 opponents throughout skilled Boxing and bare-knuckle competitors. Now, the Cuban powerhouse is chasing an astonishing ninth straight first-round BKB demolition.

Trujillo (12-0, 11 KOs in boxing; 8-0, 8 KOs in BKB) has compiled a mixed 20-0 file with 19 knockouts. He returns on August 29 to defend his Naked Knuckle Boxing heavyweight title in opposition to veteran Mark O’Neil at BKB 58 in Miami.

Each one in all Trujillo’s eight BKB victories has ended contained in the opening spherical, turning the 31-year-old into one of many sport’s most damaging champions whereas he quietly continues climbing the skilled boxing rankings because the WBO’s No. 13 heavyweight contender.

The best way Trujillo goes about his enterprise by flitting between two fight sports activities is just about unprecedented. One minute he’s smashing up skilled boxers as he closes in on a world title shot. The subsequent, he’s defending his place as arguably probably the most harmful bare-knuckle fighter on the planet. Few heavyweights have ever tried to construct two careers concurrently. Fewer nonetheless have dominated each.

Ninth Straight?

Regardless of his horrifying knockout streak, Trujillo insists he isn’t overlooking O’Neil.

“I’ve a whole lot of respect for Mark O’Neil as a result of he’s a well-respected fighter in BKB and a real warrior,” Trujillo mentioned.

“He’s skilled, he’s powerful, and I do know he’ll be coming to take what I’ve labored so laborious to earn. That’s why I’m coaching more durable than ever. Because the reigning champion, I put together for each struggle as if I’m the one making an attempt to win the title.”

Successful the BKB heavyweight championship fulfilled one in all Trujillo’s profession ambitions, however the unbeaten Cuban has no intention of slowing down.

“Being the BKB heavyweight champion is an unimaginable honor,” he added.

“Each time I put on that belt, I characterize my household, my crew, my nation, and everybody who has believed in me. It’s one thing I by no means take without any consideration, and it motivates me daily to turn into an excellent higher fighter and an excellent higher individual. I’ll do every part in my energy to maintain this belt round my waist.”

No Ready Round

Staying lively has turn into one in all Trujillo’s largest weapons.

Following one other first-round knockout earlier this 12 months, the Cuban made it clear he has no real interest in sitting on the sidelines ready for alternatives.

“Proper now, exercise is extraordinarily essential for me,” Trujillo beforehand instructed WBN.

“Each time I step into the ring, I acquire extra expertise and proceed growing as knowledgeable heavyweight.”

His message has remained constant all through his rise.

“There’s no ‘too quickly’ for me. If the chance is correct, I take it. I’m prepared for anybody.”

That mentality has already seen Trujillo linked with main heavyweight contenders, together with WBO champion Fabio Wardley and fellow unbeaten prospect Moses Itauma.

Requested about Itauma, Trujillo supplied respect but additionally a warning.

“He’s doing his job—profitable and getting knockouts. Respect to him. However that is heavyweight boxing. Everyone appears to be like good till they face actual stress. If we meet, we’ll discover out.”

Dominating Two Sports activities

Only a few fighters have managed to construct severe careers in skilled boxing and bare-knuckle on the identical time.

Trujillo seems decided to show it may be carried out.

Already 20-0 throughout each sports activities with 19 knockouts, one other explosive end in opposition to O’Neil would prolong one in all fight sports activities’ most exceptional streaks whereas taking him one other step nearer to a world heavyweight title alternative in boxing.

If Trujillo delivers one other first-round knockout, he’ll reinforce his standing as bare-knuckle’s most damaging heavyweight whereas shifting one other step nearer to proving one thing virtually unprecedented in trendy fight sports activities—that one man can dominate two disciplines on the identical time.

Concerning the Writer

Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing Information (WBN), a BWAA-acknowledged boxing information web site based in 2010. A veteran boxing reporter with 16 years of expertise, he has interviewed world champions, damaged worldwide exclusives, and reported ringside from main occasions. His work is revealed worldwide by WBN and distributed on platforms together with Apple Information.

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