Super middleweight Nathan Lugo recently signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and the top former amateur wants to remain true to his blue-collar roots despite high expectations for his potential as a pro.
Lugo will return to the ring on August 3 against a yet-to-be-named opponent on a mega-card headlined by Israil Madrimov defending his WBA junior middleweight title against pound-for-pound great Terence Crawford at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
When asked why he signed with Queensberry Promotions – a predominantly British entity not known for signing U.S. fighters often – Lugo (1-0, 1 KOs) of Marietta, Georgia, who went 252-9 as an amateur, was candid.
“I feel like it has the richest history in boxing,” the 20-year-old told BoxingScene. “It can take me where I’m trying to go.”
Queensberry Promotions has promoted notable boxers such as Ricky Hatton, Naseem Hamed, and Joe Calzaghe and Lugo aspires to become their next prominent fighter.
Lugo, who paused his training in Georgia to give the interview, was working out in a makeshift setup, including having large tires set up like a punching bag that had been positioned outside in the Georgia heat. When asked about the history of Queensberry Promotions, Lugo added, “I can say it means a lot, and it means a little at the same time, because I’m here to make my own history. But at the same time, I am very well off to be somewhere with such a rich history, and I’m not taking anything away from that. But at the same time, I’m here to build my own.”
Nicknamed “Blockbuster,” Lugo has spent less than two minutes in the ring as a professional. Now, he finds himself training while preparing to be on the same card as Crawford, Andy Ruiz, Jared Anderson, David Morrell, Isaac Cruz, and others.
“It’s honestly unbelievable for me,” said Lugo. “I’m more excited to go to the weigh-ins and be back there with all the superstars.
“It makes my head rush and almost blows my mind, but at the same time when I get there I am going to keep my cool, keep my composure, because that’s where I’m going to be one day.”
Lugo was unable to compete for the Team USA Olympic spot despite winning the Olympic Trials in the light heavyweight division. USA Boxing has moved toward a portfolio approach rather than a win-and-you’re-in system. After not being able to fight for his country, Lugo turned pro. That painful experience has instilled in him a humility uncommon in the social media generation.
“I just try to be strong, clear spoken, and I’m here for business at the end of the day,” said Lugo. “When business is over, I will be thanking everybody that came, everybody that’s here supporting me. Even people that are just watching, just keep your eyes on me.”
His father and trainer, Mike Lugo, added: “We are the blue-collar boxing team. We might not have all the fancy gym equipment, but we are staying humble.”
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