Tugstsogt Nyambayar: It’s Fine If They Are Writing Me Off!
On February 8 at the PPL Center in Allenstown, Pennsylvania Tugstsogt Nyambayar (11-0, 9 KOs) gets the opportunity of a lifetime. He will challenge Gary Russell Jr (30-1, 18 KOs) for the WBC World Featherweight championship. For the 27-year-old known as “King Tug”, this is a life-long dream and the culmination of many sacrifices.
WHO IS “KING TUG”?
Ranked as the #1 contender by the WBC at 126-pounds, Nyambayar was born and raised in Mongolia. He boasts a stellar 140-10 amateur record, including earning a Silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics.
Idolizing Manny Pacquiao, he embarked on a professional career in 2014, leaving his homeland for the boxing pastures of Los Angeles where he currently calls home. This move wasn’t done without sacrifice. To achieve his dream, he left his family behind, including his then-newborn son, Giikhod (who is now six-years-old).
THE KID CAN FIGHT
Unknown to even many hardcore watchers of the sport, this is someone who can fight. Trained hard and tough by John Pullman and Ismael Salas, Nyambayar has gained an underground rep in the Southern California boxing scene for his sparring sessions against the likes of former WBO Super Bantamweight champion Isaac Dogboe.
Nyambayar is a guy who is well-schooled. This is someone who can stand in the pocket and score with effective body punches, as well as box smoothly on the outside. And as a bonus, he packs plenty of pop in both hands. He has the style, the weaponry and ability to give anyone in the featherweight division major problems.
COMING TO MAKE A STATEMENT
Knowing he’s the underdog against Russell, a world champion who may possess the fastest hands in sport, the challenger is confident he will score what many will consider an upset. Nyambayar said as much during a sit-down interview with Premier Boxing Champions.
“I’m happy and excited for this opportunity. I’m very focused on this fight right now.
“I wanted to be a boxer ever since I was a kid. I wanted to become the best ever. I have all of the tools.”
While respectful of Russell’s, ability the Mongolian is making one thing clear; he’s here to make a statement and have his name on the minds of fans afterward.
“It’s fine if they don’t know me or are writing me off. After the fight, when I win, everyone will know my name.”
Russell Jr – Nayambayar is not getting a great amount of attention, but look for this to be low-key a very good battle that will have fans talking.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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