By Chris Cella
In the opening fight of the night, Jorge “Machito” Maysonet Jr (11-0, 10 KO). got things started early against Gabriel “The Ghost” Tolmajyan (13-2-1, 3 KO), letting his hands loose and abandoning technique in pursuit of his 11th KO in 12 fights.
The two things that stood out after the first few rounds were Maysonet Jr.’s continual lack of technique as he fired punches from all angles and positions, and allowing himself to collide heads with Tolmayjan by leaning in too much as he let his hands go.
Maysonet Jr. got a reality check tonight as he faced a formidable opponent. Having won in the first round in 9 of his 10 KO’s, he had yet to be tested in his young career. But it was apparent after the first two rounds that he was unable to do any damage to Tolmajyan with his looping punches, and was unable to find a rhythm to make a contest by out boxing his opponent. As each round passed Tolmajyan’s comfort level increased and he was able to dictate the pace of the three minutes, making Maysonet Jr. look awkward and uncomfortable within the ring.
Through the eight rounds Maysonet Jr. was unable to figure out a fight plan that worked against the counter puncher Tolmajyan, who won a unanimous decision. For 23-year-old Maysonet Jr. it will be back to the drawing board.
In the main event of the evening, undefeated Jonathan “Inca Peruano” Maicelo (16-0, 11 KO) went to battle against Rustam “The Mongoose” Nugaev (22-6, 12 KO).
Despite this being Maicelo’s TV debut and Nugaev’s return to the ring following a layoff, both pugilists brought everything in their arsenal between the ropes and left it all in the ring.
Whether or not Maicelo wanted to get into a street fight in his television debut, Nugaev had other plans. From the onset of the fight the Russian fighter came forward, relentless with his attack and stalking down Maicelo through each round.
As the fight went back and forth through each round, Nugaev seemed to find his comfort level and keep his hands moving, and connected to end the night with a short right hand in the eighth round.
Friday Night Fights returns next Friday night at 11 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2 as Rico Ramos goes to battle with Oscar Gonzalez.