Power was originally due to face Ieuan Davies at the BEC Arena on June 28, but after Davies was forced off the card, Tugarev has been drafted in, and handed an opportunity to challenge for championship gold on less than two weeks’ notice.
A product of Team KF under head coach Chris Fields, Tugarev is unbeaten in seven fights, and previously amassed a 13-5 amateur record, including appearances on the big stage in IMMAF tournaments.
The crowning moment of his amateur career came in 2022, when he defeated four opponents across five days to catpure gold at the IMMAF European Championships in Italy.
“I wish Ieuan Davies a full and fast recovery,” said Cage Warriors president Graham Boylan.
“However, one man’s misfortune becomes another’s opportunity.
“Tugarev is one of the European circuit’s best kept secrets and training under coach Chris Fields, he’s going to know exactly what it means to win a Cage Warriors World Championship, and what that can do for his career.
“James Power wont be taking him lightly; he’s had the title in his sights for some time and isn’t about to let a change in opponent affect the outcome.
“We’ve got a pair of finishing machines going at it on June 28th, in what could be the fight of the summer!”
Power vs Tugarev is one of two title fights at the top of the Cage Warriors 191 fight card. The other championship bout will see bantamweight champion Liam Gittins put his title on the line against Italy’s Alessandro Giordano.
