LAS VEGAS (April 29, 2016) – World Boxing Association (WBA) Interim cruiserweight world champion Beibut Shumenov (16-2, 10 KOs), the only Kazakhstan-native to hold world titles in two different weight classes, is disputing the WBA’s sanctioning of the WBA “regular” cruiserweight world championship fight, May 20 in Paris, between two lower-ranked WBA fighters, No. 2 Yunier Dorticos and No. 5 Youri Kalenga (recently upgraded to No. 3).
Last July, Shumenov defeated B.J. Flores by way of a 12-round unanimous decision to become the mandatory challenger for WBA “regular” cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev, who was later elevated to “Super” champion.
Lebedev hasn’t fought a mandatory defense in one year, ironically, when he won a 12-round decision over Kalenga, who had earned his world title shot, like Shumenov, by becoming WBA Interim world champion. The WBA granted Lebedev an extension in terms of his due mandatory defense because of the Russian’s unification fight May 21 in Moscow against International Boxing Federation (IBF) title-holder Victor Emelio Ramirez.
“I’m very disappointed the WBA is sanctioning Dorticos-Kalenga for its ‘regular’ cruiserweight title, when I am the No. 1 ranked and current WBA Interim champion,” Shumenov said. “I repeatedly informed the WBA through emails, texts and verbally that I was ready to fight back in January. I preferred to fight Lebedev but I was willing to fight Dorticos or anybody else in the top 15. For the past few months, I’ve been laboring over what I believe is a very bad decision, letting two lower-ranked fighters, the No. 2 and No. 3 guys, fight for the WBA ‘regular’ title. I am shocked and bewildered and do not understand the WBA’s rationale to have either of these fighters declared the WBA ‘regular’ champion without first defeating either Lebedev or me, the Interim champion and No. 1 rank contender.
“I appealed the decision but, so far, the WBA has done little in response to my appeals other than delay and stall before finally ruling that I will fight the Lebedev-Ramirez winner months from now, yet, ignoring my appeal to stop the regular title status of Dorticos-Kalenga and still sanction a fight between them, its No. 2 and No. 3 rated fighters, for the WBA ‘regular’ title. This is unfair to fans, who deserve to watch the best fighting the best, especially when a world championship is at stake! We now have this odd situation where there will be three separate WBA cruiserweight fights in May, all for a different version of WBA world title I just don’t feel anyone should get the WBA ‘regular’ title without first defeating a champion or at least the top-ranked fighter in the division. The WBA knew I was and am ready to fight. Its decision makes no sense and, in my opinion, diminishes the prestige and meaning of the title. I have respect for Dorticos and Kalenga but I think the legitimacy of any world title resulting from a fight between the No. 2 and No. 3 ranked contenders, when the No 1 mandatory contender who already holds the WBA Interim champion is ready and available, to say the least, is highly questionable.
“The WBA told me and announced to the media that it was working to have only one world champion in each division. While I’ve been sitting out the last four months waiting to fight, the WBA has decided to allow six different guys to fight for three WBA cruiserweight world titles, practically on the same day, instead of crowning only one WBA cruiserweight world champion. I look forward to returning to the ring and my manager, Al Haymon, has advised me that I will fight in May and we will announce next week. I want to thank everyone for their support and I apologize to my family, friends, fans and my country, Kazakhstan, for this chaos the WBA has caused that has damaged and delayed my professional boxing career. I will move forward and continue to fight inside the ring, letting my attorneys and manager fight this unfair situation outside the ring.”
Fans may friend Beibut Shumenov on his Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/
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Category Archives: boxing
Petr Petrov Camp Notes
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Lightweight World Champion Rances Barthelemy Battles Former World Champion Mickey Bey in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday, June 3 From The Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hotel & Casino In Hollywood, Florida
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Split-T Management signs World Amateur Sensation Marquis Moore; Set to make pro debut on tonight in Indianapolis
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Del Valle to battle Snow May 13 in Washington, DC!
For Immediate Release
Bayamon, PR (April 29, 2016) – 122 pound powerhouse Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle looks to continue his march towards the top of his division when he faces hard hitting Thomas “KO” Snow in an eight round bout Friday, May 13 at the D.C. Armory.
The fight will air live on BET at 10 PM ET.
Living and fighting out of Bayamon, PR, Del Valle’s professional record is 21-2 with 16 wins coming by way of knockout. A former NABA featherweight titlist, Del Valle destroyed Josh Crespo inside of two rounds April 9 in New Hampshire. Against Snow, Del Valle will look for his fourth straight win by stoppage.
Hailing from Capitol Heights, MD, which is 30 minutes from the nation’s capital, Snow enters the ring with an impressive 18-2 ledger and 12 victories via knockout. A winner in eight of his last nine, Snow looks to put the boxing world on notice with a victory in front of his friends and family on the 13th.
“This is my second straight fight against a confident opponent close to their hometown,” Del Valle said from his training camp in Puerto Rico. “Fights like these add fuel to my fire because knocking out Thomas Snow in DC makes a bigger statement than doing it anywhere else.”
Del Valle also thinks a victory over Snow in front of a worldwide audience on BET will play a big role in moving him up the rankings.
“I really believe this fight is going to get me back where I need to be. Fighting on TV is very important at this stage of my career and I’d like to thank Roc Nation for this great opportunity. I also want to thank Thomas Snow for stepping up to the plate, even though he’s going to regret it afterwards!”
Promoted by Roc Nation as part of their “Throne Boxing” series, the card is headlined by a ten round bout featuring rising star Dusty Harrison against contender Mike Dallas.
Tickets are on sale now by going to Ticketmaster.com/event/15005069CFC435E1.
Fans can interact with Del Valle on Twitter @Orlanditoboxing or Facebook.com/Orlandito-Del-Valle-111406195543360.
Contact: Matt Yanofsky (Team Del Valle) – 551-206-0578 or @kopublicity
Victor Ortiz vs. Andre Berto Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos
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“Knockout Night at the D” returns May 21 Arif “The Predator” Magomedov hunts down Andrew “Hurricane” Hernandez in Las Vegas
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Badou Jack, Lucian Bute, James DeGale & Rogelio Medina Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGâ Doubleheader
This Saturday, April 30 From the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.
Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 28, 2016) – Four of the top super middleweights in the world shared a stage Thursday afternoon as Badou Jack, Lucian Bute, James DeGale and Rogelio Medina participated in the final press conference for their fights this Saturday, April 30 on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING from the DC Armory in Wash28ington, D.C.
Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIMEâ and features the WBC champion Jack battling the former champion Bute, while the IBF titleholder DeGale takes on the top rated contender Medina. The winners of these fights have agreed to meet in a world title unification later this year.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Interbox in
association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations, or call (800) 745-3000.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
BADOU JACK
“Both of us can punch, both of us can box. Anything can happen inside of that ring. I’m always ready to go 12 rounds. Everyone knows that I’m always in shape.
“Anything can happen, but I want to fight James DeGale. First I have to take care of business with Lucian Bute. Both of us are in our primes. We’re young and confident and it would be a great fight.
“I have to take care of this former champion. He’s a really good fighter. Some people say it’s a 50-50 fight so I have to take this very seriously.
“I’m still training and preparing for this fight like I’m the challenger. That’s how I prepare for every fight and this is no different.
“A lot of people wrote me off and I came back stronger. I love when people doubt me. I come back stronger and show people I’m a world class fighter.
“I’ve always believed in myself. I’m mentally strong and I work hard. I had a setback but it just made me hungrier and it made me a better fighter.”
LUCIAN BUTE
“I’m thankful for this big opportunity to fight for the WBC title. My training camp was very good. I feel stronger. It’s two days until the big stage.
“I worked very hard for this opportunity. To be a two-time champion is a dream. On Saturdaynight you will see a new champion.
“I feel great. The pressure is not on my shoulders now. I’m not the champion, I’m the outsider. Badou is the champion and I think the pressure is on him. I came to Washington D.C. to perform, give the fans a good show Saturday night and the chance to become a champion for the second time
“I put on a good show against DeGale and that’s what led to this shot. I’m very blessed to be in this fight for a world title.
“Badou is a good fighter. He has a good background in amateur boxing, he’s a world champion, but he has nothing special. He does everything good but not exceptionally. I have more experience, more speed and I’m a southpaw. I think the advantage is on my side.
“I never considered retiring but there were three years where I had some physical and psychological obstacles. Now I’m back to being in big fights and I’m looking forward to taking Badou Jack’s belt.
“This is going to be a spectacular fight. I want to look good in there and leave no doubt. I’m more aggressive than I ever have been and that will make it a great fight. I’m here to stop Badou Jack.”
JAMES DEGALE
“Fight time is here. I’m feeling good and feeling fresh.
“Porky Medina is a good fighter. But there are levels to pro boxing and I am levels above him.
“Saturday night I’m going to show you a real performance. My last two fights have gone the distance, but this time it won’t.
“I’m the best 168-pounder out there. I’m here to prove that. There is no one out there that can test me. There are big fights out there and good guys, but I believe I’m the best.
“I like this tournament style. It’s the best boxing the best. It should always be like this.
“I’m starting to build a massive fan base back home and I haven’t even boxed at home as a world champion. Me and Badou Jack would be a massive fight in the UK with two titles on the line.
“I’ve got everything covered with my game plan, trust me. I’ve gone extremely hard in the gym. We’ve watched tapes of him and I’m feeling good.
“This fight I need to make a statement. On my last two fights, I’ve gone the distance and they’ve been against top quality elite fighters. This time – no disrespect to Porky Medina – a good fighter in his own right but he shouldn’t last the distance with me so I look forward to a good performance.
“Good luck to both men, but I’m coming for the winner of Jack vs. Bute. I want to unify the division.”
ROGELIO MEDINA
“I’m the youngest fighter on this stage. I’m also the hungriest fighter. This is the biggest opportunity of my career.
“I’m here to give it my all and take the most of this opportunity on Saturday night. My dream is to be a world champion and it is right in front of me.
“I feel very excited. I’m ready to go because of the long layoff. It has been a while but I have been in the gym. I’ve been training for many months and even though I haven’t had a fight, I have been training.
“I think that DeGale has a lot of good qualities as a fighter and I think that the fight is going to be very intense because I’ve been training hard for it. I’ve been training to put pressure on him and to make it an intense fight and try and knock him out.
“I’ve noticed that he’s a quick fighter, he’s fast. He’s got good technique but I also see that he sometimes likes to stand and trade and I hope that he decides to stand and trade with me so we can give the fans a good fight.
“A win would be the biggest moment of my career. It would have a lot of significance. Historically in Mexico I would become only the second super middleweight champion, which would be very important to boxing and myself.”
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For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.SHO.com/Sports and follow on Twitter at: @BadouJack, @ButeLucian, @JamesDeGale1, @PorkyMedina @MayweatherPromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
Keith Thurman & Shawn Porter Take New York
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Andre Dirrell, Blake Caparello, Anthony Dirrell, Caleb Truax, Jonathan Guzman & Daniel Rosas Media Roundtable Quotes
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