Gustavo Trujillo is unbeaten in boxing and bare-knuckle fighting, and at 33 years old, he hopes to find himself in the mix sooner rather than later.

Trujillo knocked out Phillip Penson in the first round in a heavyweight bout on March 7 at the Hilton Orlando in Altamonte Springs, Florida. 

Trujillo compiled a record of 8-0 (8 KOs) in bare-knuckle boxing, and the Penson stoppage improved his boxing record to 10-0 (9 KOs). A 6ft 4ins Cuban heavyweight, Trujillo has now fought in three bouts scheduled for 10 rounds.

“It comes down to fundamentals and experience,” Trujillo told BoxingScene via a translator. “Fighting is fighting. Distance, timing, conditioning and mental toughness translate across every combat sport. When you master those skills, you can adapt to different disciplines.”

Trujillo is an uncommon fighter. He has developed a reputation in bare-knuckle boxing, in which durable, physical fighters outlast their foes based on resilience and will. But Trujillo is also an accomplished boxer, though he has yet to face a true step up in competition.

“Boxing with gloves allows you to throw longer combinations and engage in extended exchanges,” Trujillo said. “Bare-knuckle requires more precision and discipline, because your hands are exposed. Every punch has to be calculated.”

Trujillo’s next goal is to target a belt. He is currently ranked No. 15 by the WBO and is hoping to land pivotal fights. Currently training out of Caicedo Sports Gym, formerly known as King Kong Boxing Gym, in Miami, Trujillo knows he needs to get a big fight soon, given his age.

“I believe I’ve earned the opportunity to fight for something meaningful,” Trujillo said. “I feel like I’m in my prime physically and mentally.”

Trujillo knows the road he is walking is uncommon, but he believes the journey will lead to later success.

“My path wasn’t traditional,” Trujillo said. “I competed in multiple combat sports before committing fully to professional boxing. That experience helped shape me into a complete fighter.”

Lucas Ketelle is the author of “Inside the Ropes of Boxing,” a guide for young fighters, a writer for BoxingScene and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Find him on X at @BigDogLukie.