Gustavo Trujillo
{{Short description|Cuban Bare knuckle boxer}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Gustavo Yerandy Trujillo Laza
| other_names = Cuban Assassin
| image = Gustavo
| image_size = 150px
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1993|02|28}}
| birth_place = Morón, Cuba
| residence = Miami, Florida, United States
| nationality = Cuban
| height = {{height|ft=6|in=4}}
| weight = {{convert|261.1|lb|kg}}
| stance = Orthodox
| fighting_out_of = Miami, Florida, United States
| years_active = 2019–present
| box_win = 7
| box_kowin = 6
| box_loss = 0
| mma_kowin = 2
| mma_subwin = 1
| mma_subloss = 1
| mma_decloss = 1
}}
Gustavo Yerandy Trujillo Laza (born February 28, 1993) is a Cuban professional combat sport athlete, and a bare-knuckle boxer currently signed to and competing in the BYB Extreme Fighting Series. Nicknamed "Cuban Assassin," he is undefeated in bare-knuckle boxing and holds the Police Gazette Diamond Belt. Trujillo also pursued fighting through professional boxing and mixed martial arts.
Early life and background
Trujillo was born in Morón, Cuba, in the province of Ciego de Ávila. He began boxing and Greco-Roman wrestling at the age of eight. By age ten, he joined the provincial juvenile wrestling team, at 17, he advanced to the Cuban National Greco-Roman team, competing in the 97 kilogram category.{{cite web |title=Gustavo Trujillo: "Estar unidos es la única manera de ganar la lucha" |url=https://www.diariolasamericas.com/america-latina/gustavo-trujillo-estar-unidos-es-la-unica-manera-ganar-la-lucha-n4249385 |website=Diario Las Américas |date=September 4, 2023 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |language=es}}
In 2015, he immigrated to the United States, where he worked multiple jobs while training for a professional career. He later founded the "Young Tigers Foundation," a nonprofit supporting aspiring fighters with housing, equipment, and training.{{cite web |title=Gustavo Trujillo, el boxeador cubano con más de 14 peleas ganadas |url=https://www.diariolasamericas.com/deportes/gustavo-trujillo-el-boxeador-cubano-mas-14-peleas-ganadas-n4251293 |website=Diario Las Américas |date=October 10, 2023 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |language=es}}
Combat sports career
= Professional Boxing =
Trujillo made his professional boxing debut in 2022. He has won 6 of his seven fights by knockout in the first or second and one by decision. He is undefeated
= Mixed martial arts =
Trujillo made his professional debut in MMA in 2019. He won three of his five matches, including two by knockout and one via submission. He suffered one submission loss and one decision loss.
= Bare-knuckle boxing =
Trujillo debuted in bare-knuckle boxing at BKFC 8 in October 2019, defeating Robert Morrow by first-round technical knockout. He continued his first round knock out streak, finishing all seven of his bare-knuckle bouts in the first round, including wins over former MMA fighters Mike Kyle and Lorenzo Hunt.
In September 2024, he received the inaugural Police Gazette Diamond Belt, a title with roots in the 19th century, recognizing outstanding bare-knuckle boxers.{{cite web |title=Police Gazette |url=https://policegazette.us/index.php/2024/07/#:~:text=Gustavo%20Trujillo*,KO%2D1 |website=National Police Gazette |access-date=May 21, 2025}}
== Recent developments ==
In January 2025, Trujillo challenged UFC veteran Yoel Romero to a bare-knuckle boxing match. In a video that circulated on social media and sports outlets, Trujillo called out Romero directly, saying he wanted to test himself against a high-level Cuban fighter.{{cite web |title=Boxeadores cubanos en EEUU: Gustavo Trujillo reta a Yoel Romero a pelea a puño limpio |url=https://en.cibercuba.com/noticias/2025-01-27-u1-e199370-s27066-nid296210-boxeadores-cubanos-eeuu-gustavo-trujillo-reta |website=CiberCuba |date=January 27, 2025 |access-date=May 29, 2025}}
In February 2025, Trujillo defeated Matthew McKinney by first-round knockout After the match, he announced that he would be focusing solely on his boxing career and distancing himself from political commentary. He also addressed criticism from some members of the Cuban exile community, calling for unity instead of division.
= Controversy and response to accusations =
Following his February 2025 victory, Trujillo responded to accusations made on social media alleging that he had served as a repressor in Cuba. He denied the claims, asserting that he left the country at the age of 19 and had no involvement in political repression. "I joined the National Team at 14 and left Cuba at 19... I didn't have time to do that crap," Trujillo stated.
He also announced plans to pursue legal action against individuals and platforms spreading what he called defamatory statements. This included criticism of Cuban opponent Omar Torres Sosa, who had accused Trujillo of misconduct during his time in Morón, Ciego de Ávila.
Trujillo's team, CG Investments Corp, released a formal statement rejecting the allegations and warning of legal consequences. The statement criticized platforms such as *El Mañanero*, *Hola Otaola*, *Cubanos por el Mundo*, and *Asere Pensante* for amplifying these accusations without evidence.
= Interview response and public statement =
On February 23, 2025, Trujillo gave an exclusive interview to the Cuban news outlet CubitaNOW in response to recent controversies. The interview followed online backlash regarding remarks he made about activist Maykel Osorbo allegedly having access to a phone while imprisoned. Trujillo clarified that his statements had been misinterpreted and insisted that he had no involvement in any wrongdoing. "I have nothing to do with the accusations," he said, emphasizing that his words were never meant to cause harm.{{cite web |title=Gustavo Trujillo defends himself in strong interview: 'I have nothing to do with the accusations' |url=https://noticias.cubitanow.com/gustavo-trujillo-se-defiende-en-enrgica-entrevista-no-tengo-nada-que-ver-con-las-acusaciones |website=CubitaNOW |date=February 23, 2025 |access-date=May 30, 2025}}
In the interview, Trujillo reiterated his longstanding opposition to the Cuban regime and recalled his past activism. He stated that despite recent personal and professional attacks, he remains committed to freedom and truth. He also revealed that he was consulting with his attorney to pursue legal action over being falsely labeled a "repressor."
Trujillo expressed frustration with what he described as a lack of genuine support from parts of the Cuban exile community. As a result, he reaffirmed his decision to step away from political discourse and focus entirely on his boxing career.
= Victory over Matthew McKinney and career announcement =
On February 22, 2025, Trujillo secured a first-round knockout victory against Matthew McKinney at an event held at the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, Florida. The win extended his undefeated record in professional boxing to 7–0, all by first-round stoppage.
After the fight, Trujillo made headlines by publicly distancing himself from political commentary. He stated that he would be focusing exclusively on his boxing career, expressing frustration with divisions in the Cuban exile community. In an interview following the event, Trujillo said: "Honestly, I don't want to know anything about the Cuban community."{{cite web |title=Boxeador cubano Gustavo Trujillo gana por nocaut y anuncia que se aleja de la política |url=https://en.cibercuba.com/noticias/2025-02-24-u1-e199370-s27061-nid297704-boxeador-cubano-gustavo-trujillo-gana-nocaut-anuncia |website=CiberCuba |date=February 24, 2025 |access-date=May 30, 2025}}
== Sparring with Jon Jones ==
In a December 2024 interview with Sportskeeda, Trujillo recounted a sparring session with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones at Jackson Wink MMA Academy. Trujillo, a former Cuban Olympic Greco-Roman wrestler, shared that he managed to secure a victory over Jones during their wrestling session. Impressed by Trujillo's performance, Jones invited him to train again the following day. However, Trujillo chose not to return, humorously stating, "I never trained again with him"{{cite web |title=Ex-training partner shares wild Jon Jones sparring story, offering glimpse of 'Bones' behind camera |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-ex-training-partner-shares-wild-jon-jones-sparring-story-offering-glimpse-bones-behind-camera-i-never-trained-him |website=Sportskeeda |date=January 2025 |access-date=May 29, 2025}}
== Media coverage ==
In November 2024, Bare Knuckle Nation featured an article on Trujillo, discussing his undefeated record and several first-round knockout wins in bare-knuckle boxing. The article noted his rapid progress in the sport and highlighted his aggressive style and punching power. It also referenced some of his earlier victories, such as a win over Lorenzo Hunt, which received limited attention due to the sport's evolving status. The article described Trujillo as a notable competitor within bare-knuckle boxing.{{cite web |title=It's Gustavo Trujillo's time to shine |url=https://www.bareknucklenation.com/post/it-s-gustavo-trujillo-s-time-to-shine |website=Bare Knuckle Nation |date=November 2024 |access-date=May 29, 2025}}
Bare-knuckle boxing record
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; margin: 0 auto;"
! Result !! Record !! Opponent !! Method !! Event !! Date !! Round !! Time !! Location | ||||||||
| style="background-color:green; color:white;" | Win | 7–0 | Richie Leaks | TKO (Body punch) | BYB 34 | December 24, 2024 | 1 | 0:49 | Miami, Florida, United States |
| style="background-color:green; color:white;" | Win | 6–0 | Isaac Villanueva | TKO | BYB 28 | September 13, 2024 | 1 | 1:13 | Hollywood, Florida, United States |
| style="background-color:green; color:white;" | Win | 5–0 | Levi Costa | TKO | BYB 25 | April 4, 2024 | 1 | 1:40 | Hollywood, Florida, United States |
| style="background-color:green; color:white;" | Win | 4–0 | Stephen Townsell | KO (punch) | BKFC KnuckleMania II | February 27, 2022 | 1 | 1:41 | Hollywood, Florida, United States |
| style="background-color:green; color:white;" | Win | 3–0 | Mike Kyle | KO (punch) | BKFC 22 | November 12, 2021 | 1 | 0:34 | Miami, Florida, United States |
| style="background-color:green; color:white;" | Win | 2–0 | Lorenzo Hunt | TKO | BKFC 10 | February 15, 2020 | 1 | 0:44 | Hollywood, Florida, United States |
| style="background-color:green; color:white;" | Win | 1–0 | Robert Morrow | TKO | BKFC 8 | October 19, 2019 | 1 | 0:35 | Hollywood, Florida, United States |
Professional boxing record
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:100%;" | ||||||||
| Result | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bgcolor="#90EE90" | Win | 7–0 | Matthew McKinney | KO/TKO | Fists of Fury | February 22, 2025 | 1 | 0:55 | Hollywood, FL |
| bgcolor="#90EE90" | Win | 6–0 | Terrell Jamal Woods | Decision (Unanimous) | Rumble Rodeo | March 1, 2024 | 4 | 12:00 | Miami, FL |
| bgcolor="#90EE90" | Win | 5–0 | Keegan Vandermeer | TKO | The Fists of Fury | September 29, 2023 | 2 | 0:33 | Tampa, FL |
| bgcolor="#90EE90" | Win | 4–0 | Hector Perez | TKO | Night of Champions IV | July 28, 2023 | 2 | 1:50 | Orlando, FL |
| bgcolor="#90EE90" | Win | 3–0 | Cameron Graham | TKO | Ballroom Brawl | March 18, 2023 | 2 | 2:30 | Miami, FL |
| bgcolor="#90EE90" | Win | 2–0 | Jawaski Bethly | TKO | Rigondeaux vs. Martinez | February 24, 2023 | 1 | 1:09 | Miami, FL |
| bgcolor="#90EE90" | Win | 1–0 | Joseph Bond | TKO | Friday Night Fights | September 23, 2022 | 1 | 3:00 | Miami, FL |
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/202537-gustavo-trujillo Tapology profile]
- [https://www.bareknuckle.tv/ BKFC official website]