Prospect Dariial Kuchmenov returns May 18

Undefeated featherweight prospect Dariial Kuchmenov (7-0, 5 KOs) is back in the ring on May 18th.

Fight cancellations, opponents pulling out at the last minute, and other of boxing’s common frustrations have kept him out of the ring for a year. So, he will be more than happy to hear the first bell.

He will be squaring off with Arizona’s Daniel Lugo who comes in at 5-2 (2 KO’s). They will go 6 rounds or fewer at the Bishop Mora Salesian High School in Los Angeles. Lugo’s only losses are to fighters with a combined 11-0 record.   

Kuchmenov has some serious pop as his 5 stoppages in 7 bouts will attest. However, he has always prided himself on maintaining a focus on his fundamentals. A strong jab, good positioning, and a solid defense are always at the forefront of his game.

Handled by Wild Card Gym trainers Ernie Zavala, and Pepe Reilly, and conditioned under the direction of fitness expert Pedro Garcia, Kuchmenov has a strong team that sees big things for their unbeaten 130-pounder.

Kuchmenov turned pro in 2021 and banked 7 straight wins in just under 2 years. However, he has been out of the ring for a year and is excited to return to what he does best.

After this spring bout, manager Steve Feder will be looking to keep his Russian-born, Los Angeles-residing fighter busy. With a well-rounded fighter who can both box and bang Feder has options with Kuchmenov and is more than willing to step up and test him. And, that is something Kuchmenov would welcome. 

It’s been a frustrating year away for Kuchmenov but they are hoping an impressive win on the 18th will be the start of people taking notice of a fighter that Feder is surprised is still flying under the radar.

MaxBoxing caught up with Feder to get his thoughts on the upcoming bout and what is in store for the talented 21-year-old.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this in 17 years as far as having trouble getting fighters to step up and fight a guy like Dariial”, said Feder. “It really is mind boggling to me that nobody has signed him”, he continued. “Top Rank. PBC, lots of people talk of interest in him but nobody has stepped up yet. Frankly I think they are missing out on a real exciting fighter”, he said.

While Feder knows Dariial stays on point with his defense, footwork, and fundamentals, something stressed by his trainers, he also knows he can flip the switch at any time. 

“He’s always on top of his fundamentals in the ring”, said Feder. “But, let me tell you if you tag him or look to engage, he’s open all night to that. Look out, cause he’s coming. And, fans love it, he’s a fan-friendly fighter, he’s an exciting guy to watch in there”.

As to what is next, Feder is looking to start making some noise about a fighter he believes in.

“After this fight, we are going to have to start calling out some fighters, looking to really step him up so people can see what he can do. This is such a good kid, so kind and respectful, he works so hard, he’s easy to root for”, said Feder.

What he does want to avoid is another layoff.

“Frankly, I think fighters hear about what he can do, and they get cold feet, they avoid him”, he said. “I’d like to see him back in the ring in 2 or 3 months for sure. Stay busy. We’ll step him up, we’ll test him”, he said. “When fans get to know him, they will want to see more. He’s tough, exciting and he’s game to fight anyone”.