Tag Archives: Beibut Shumenov

Cruiserweight Champion Beibut Shumenov Takes on Chicago’s Junior Wright & Top Contender B.J. Flores Battles Mexico’s Roberto Santos on Saturday, May 21 From The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

 
Plus! Super Middleweight Contender Lanell Bellows & Super Lightweight Prospect Tra-Kwon Pettis Round Out Action in Separate Undercard Fights
 
LAS VEGAS (May 19, 2016) – Cruiserweight champion Beibut Shumenov (16-2, 10 KOs)will battle once-beaten Junior Wright (15-1-1, 12 KOs)and top contender B.J. Flores takes on Mexico’s Roberto Santos (12-3, 5 KOs) in a pair of boutsthat highlight undercard action on Saturday, May 21 from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
The May 21 event features SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with a tripleheader of 154-pound world title fights. The main event sees a rematch between WBA champion Erislandy Lara and U.S. Olympian Vanes Martirosyanplus IBF champion Jermall Charlo battling former champion Austin Trout and unbeaten contender Jermell Charlo facing top contender John Jackson for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight world title.
 
Shumenov will defend his cruiserweight title in a 12-round matchup with Wright while Flores will make his heavyweight debut against and Santos in a six-round tilt.
 
Rounding out the action is Las Vegas-native Lanell “KO” Bellows (15-1-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super middleweight contest against Virginia’s Scott Sigmon (26-8-1, 14 KOs) and unbeaten prospect Tra-Kwon “Superman” Pettis (3-0, 1 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight battle against Mexico’s Carlos Rodriguez (6-2, 2 KOs).
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on-sale now. Ticket prices start at $39, and are available online at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000;www.ticketmaster.com.
A native of Shymkent, Kazakhstan fighting out of Las Vegas, Shumenov looks to build on his last fight, which saw him earn a cruiserweight crown by defeating B.J. Flores in July. His first title defense was scheduled for December but was cancelled when Shumenov suffered an eye injury. The 32-year-old won a world title at light heavyweight by defeating Gabriel Campillo in Las Vegas in 2010. The 2004 Olympian for Kazakhstan went on to defend his title five times and will make his first 200-pound defense against Chicago’s Wright. The 29-year-old has won back-to-back fights since suffering his only loss last May.
Twice a U.S. National Champion as an amateur, Flores seeks a run at a world title after coming up just short in a decision loss to Shumenov last July. Born in San Francisco, but fighting out of Chandler, Arizona, Flores had won seven fights in a row before his last bout including victories over veterans Kevin Engel and Anthony Caputo Smith. He will be opposed by the durable Mexican Santos, who has never been stopped.
For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LaraBoxing, @VanesBoxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @NoDoubtTrout, @TwinCharlo, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxingand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

World champion Beibut Shumenov to defend title vs. Junior Wright this Saturday night in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (May 18, 2016) – World Boxing Association (WBA) Interim Cruiserweight World champion Beibut Shumenov (16-2, 10 KOs) makes his first title defense this Saturday night (May 21) against WBA No. 11-rated Junior “Hurricane” Wright (15-1-1, 12 KOs) at The Chelsea inside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
“I’m happy to get the opportunity to fight this Saturday night,” Shumenov said, “but I wish that I could fight more often.  I’ve been ready since January.  Every training session I gain new knowledge.  I am a completely different fighter than in my last fight.”
Shumenov’s last fight was back in July, in which he defeated B.J. Flores (31-1-1, 20 KOs) by 12-round unanimous decision in Las Vegas to capture the vacant WBA Interim title, making the former WBA light heavyweight champion Shumenov the first professional boxer from Kazakhstan to be a two-division world champion.
By becoming the WBA Interim cruiserweight champion, Shumenov also became the No. 1 ranked mandatory challenger for WBA Super cruiserweight titlist Denis Lebedev (28-2, 21 KOs), who also fights this Saturday in Russia against International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion Victor Emilio “El Tyson de Abasto” Ramirez (22-2-1, 17 KOs) in a unification match.
The WBA has already mandated that the Lebedev-Ramirez must fight Shumenovwithin 120 days. The WBA, however, has failed to explain why it also declared a WBA “regular” cruiserweight world title fight this Friday night in France between No. 2 Yunier Dorticos and No. 5 Youri Kalenga (since upgraded to No. 3), especially after announcing that it would work this year to have only one world champion in each weight class.
Shumenov, of course, is risking his mandatory position by fighting Wright, the former 5-time Chicago Golden Gloves champion.  “I need to stay active,” Shumenov explained why he’s taking such a risk.  “Every fight, I gain experience and it also helps me develop my fighting skills.”
The 12-round Shumenov vs. Wright title fight is on the non-televised portion of The Cosmopolitan show.
Fans may friend Beibut Shumenov on his Facebook Fan Page atwww.facebook.com/BeibutShumenov.

WBA Interim cruiserweight world champion & Mandatory challenger Beibut Shumenov protests Dorticos-Kalenga WBA “regular” world cruiserweight title fight

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/BeibutShumenov.

Beibut Shumenov targeting Lebedev-Ramirez cruiserweight Unification title fight winner

LAS VEGAS (March 22, 2016) – World Boxing Association (WBA) Interim Cruiserweight World champion Beibut Shumenov (16-2, 10 KOs) is targeting the May 21st unification title winner between WBA titlist Denis Lebedev(28-2, 21 KOs) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion Victor Emilio “El Tyson de Abasto” Ramirez (22-2-1, 17 KOs).
When Shumenov defeated B.J. Flores(31-1-1, 20 KOs) last July in Las Vegas, the former WBA light heavyweight champion became WBA Interim champion as well as its No. 1 mandatory contender.
Lebedev, however, hasn’t fought a mandatory fight since last April 10 in which he won a 12-round decision over then Interim WBA champion Youri Kalenga.  Lebedev made a voluntary tittle offense last November, stopping Lateef Kayode in the eighth round.
Shumenov will be back in the ring next month (April), full details forthcoming, and then he will challenge the Lebedev-Ramirez winner within 90/120 days of their outcome.
“I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to fight the Lebedev-Ramirez winner because it’s always been my goal to unify the titles,” Shumenov explained.  “Lebedev has always been my target.  Ramirez is the other fighter I’ve really wanted to fight and my manager tried to make a fight between us, too.
“I’ve been in the gym since my last fight, training hard to perfect my skills. Now, I am a completely different fighter since I fought last July.  My team is extremely happy and confident that I can beat all of the other world cruiserweight champions.”
Last December, Shumenov was scheduled to defend his Interim WBA crown against two-time world cruiserweight champion Krzyesztof “Diablo” Wlodarczyk (50-3-1, 36 KOs), but a serious medical issue concerning a family member forced Shumenov to withdraw from the aforementioned fight.
“The opportunity to fight the winner of Lebedev/Ramirez in a big unification fight just came about this year and I didn’t have that option back when I agreed to initially fight Wlodarczyk back in December and I was unable to foresee what would happen to my family personally,” 32-year-old Shumenov said.  “I have no problem fighting Wlodarczyk in the future, but only after I fight the Lebedev-Ramirez unification winner.  In addition, at any time, I have no problem fighting WBA No. 2-ranked Yunier Dorticos.
“Right now, I’m at my fighting prime yet still improving, training with my coach, Ismael Salas.  I want to show the world my skills before I get too old.  Literally, I’m ready to fighttomorrow and I’ve been ready for months.  I’ll be back in the ring next month and then I’ll get my shot at the Lebedev-Ramirez winner.”
Fans may friend Beibut Shumenov on his Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/BeibutShumenov.

HURRICANE WRIGHT WANTS TO TOPPLE TOP CRUISERWEIGHTS CHICAGO BOXER TARGETS CHAMP SHUMENOV

   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago, IL (February 22, 2016) – BoxRec.com says Junior Wright is the number-two ranked cruiserweight in the United States, and the Chicagoan is keen to show he should have the top slot.

On Friday, the 15-1-1 Wright got a 1st round stoppage over Jim Franklin on a show in Iowa, and the boxer feels he’s building superb momentum, which will soon result in another title shot.

“The fight was over so fast I couldn’t really tell you much about it,” said Wright, laughing. “But I threw a really good body shot to put him down and then afterwards I just threw a lot of combinations when he got up and they stopped it. I feel great about my win. While training for my world title fight with Rakhim Chakhiev in 2015, I had an injury but still went ahead with the fight. After the match I had surgery and now I am 100 hundred percent. I feel ready for all the top cruiserweights in the world, from what I see there is not much out there to worry about in the division. I would love the opportunity to fight Beibut Shumenov for a world title. He is one of the dominant champions and his fights happen in the U.S. so I feel there is no home-turf advantage, no jet leg to worry about. I feel very confident in this fight and my abilities!”

Wright is now No. 13 in the WBA and wants to fight best in the division, including WBA world champion Shumenov, or BoxRec No. 1 in the USA, BJ Flores.

His promoter Dmitry Salita backs the fighter nicknamed “Hurricane” all the way.

“I’ve always felt that Junior Wright is one of the best cruiserweights in the world and most definitely in the U.S.,” Salita said. “I believe he has the tools to compete with and beat the best fighters in the cruiserweight division.”

CUBA’S RANCES BARTHELEMY & RUSSIA’S DENIS SHAFIKOV SQUARE-OFF FOR LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 FROM THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT IN LAS VEGAS 9 P.M. ET/PT

 
PLUS! CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION BEIBUT SHUMENOV TAKES ON FORMER WORLD CHAMPION KRZYZSTOF WLODARCZYK
&
UNDEFEATED JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT CHRIS PEARSON & FAST RISING UNBEATEN PROSPECT GERVONTA DAVIS IN SEPARATE BOUTS
 
Tickets On Sale Tomorrow At 12 p.m. PT!
 
LAS VEGAS (November 12, 2015) – Undefeated Cuban Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (23-0, 13 KOs) and Russia’s Denis Shafikov (36-1-1, 19 KOs) will fight for a lightweight world title on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike Friday, December 18 from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and will see cruiserweight world champion Beibut Shumenov (16-2, 10 KOs) in a matchup with former world cruiserweight world champion Krzyzstof Wlodarczyk (49-3-1, 35 KOs). Also featured on the telecast is undefeated junior middleweight Chris “Young King” Pearson (13-0, 10 KOs) and rising unbeaten prospect Gervonta “Tank” Davis (13-0, 12 KOs) in separate attractions.
“On December 18 I’m going to make history by adding another world title to my collection,” said Barthelemy. “Shafikov is a very tough opponent and at this level everyone is dangerous. I’m taking this fight very seriously and the boxing world will take notice of my presence in the ring. Fans love to see action and that’s what I bring to every fight. I’m going to send a stern message to the world of boxing that I’m one of the best in the sport.”
“I’ve been preparing my whole life for this fight and to become a world champion,” said Shafikov. “This is my second world title fight and while I have a great deal of respect for Barthelemy, I will be victorious on December 18. My trainer Abel Sanchez and I have been working hard for the past couple of months and we will have a great game plan on fight night.”
“I am happy to get back in the ring again because I want to fight all of the best fighters in the cruiserweight division,” said Shumenov. “I would like to stay more active because I’m still developing. I am curious to see my progression and how I will do against the best cruiserweights.”
“I’m very excited to be fighting a well-known opponent in Las Vegas,” said Wlodarczyk. “Shumenov is a tricky guy, but he has no heart. He tried to run from the action in his last fight. I do not like to fight guys who run but if I want to fight the best I have to destroy this chicken and I will do it.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing, are priced at $100.50, and $25.50 plus applicable fees, and are on sale Friday, November 13 at 12 p.m. PT. Tickets may be purchased atwww.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
“It’s a great pleasure to be promoting two world title fights on this outstanding night of boxing on Spike from Palms Casino Resort,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “In addition, Mayweather Promotions’ rising stars Chris Pearson and Gervonta Davis will enter the ring looking to remain unbeaten and get another step closer to a world title. It’s going to be a can’t-miss night of action.”
“We look forward to having Spike and Mayweather Promotions back to The Pearl for a night of action-packed bouts,” said Billy Conn, Vice President of Entertainment and Special Events at Palms Casino Resort.
A Cuban amateur national champion, the 29-year-old Barthelemy has yet to taste defeat since turning pro in 2009. Born in Cuba but now fighting out of Las Vegas, he won a super featherweight world title in July of last year by defeating Argenis Mendez in impressive fashion and followed that up with a second round TKO over Angino Perez. Most recently, he defeated former world champion Antonio DeMarco in convincing fashion in a PBC main event in June.
Having fought in eight countries throughout his pro career, the 30-year-old Shafikovbrings a full career of experiences with him into his second world title opportunity onDecember 18. Born in Miass, Russia, he enters this fight having won three in a row by taking down Rustam Nugaev, Miguel Mendoza and Roy Mukhlis.
A native of Shymkent, Kazakhstan fighting out of Las Vegas, Shumenov looks to build on his last fight, which saw him earn a cruiserweight crown by defeating B.J. Flores in July. The 32-year-old won a world title at light heavyweight by defeating Gabriel Campillo in Las Vegas in 2010. The 2004 Olympian for Kazakhstan went on to defend his title five times and will return to the scene of his latest triumph on December 18.
A two-time world champion in the cruiserweight division, Warsaw, Poland’s Wlodarczyk looks to win a world title for a third time in his career at cruiserweight. The 34-year-old owns world title-winning victories over Steve Cunningham and Giacobbe Fragomeni. In his last world title reign Wlodarczyk defended his belt six times, including victories over Danny Green, Rakhim Chakhkiyev and Francisco Palacios.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Pearson has impressed with strong victories over Steve Martinez, Said El Harrak, Lanardo Tyner and previously unbeaten Acacio Joao Ferreira in four fights before he defeated Janks Trotter in September. The 24-year-old looks to continue to rise within the junior middleweight division and cement his contender status on December 18.
A highly-regarded prospect who won the 2012 National Gloves championship, the 21-year-old Davis has already recorded four stoppage victories in 2015. Most recently, the Baltimore-native stopped former world champion Cristobal Cruz with a vicious combination in their October fight.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @Beibut_Shumenov, @_ChrisPearson, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @MayweatherPromo,@WarriorsBoxingProm, @PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and

Beibut Shumenov makes history once again in ring

TEAM SHUMENOV: (L-R) Assistant trainer Rodney Crisler, world cruiserweight champion Beibut Shumenov, Chingis Shumenov, head trainer Ismael Salas, cut-man Jacob “Stitch” Duran and assistant trainer Jeff Grmoja.

 

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 3, 2015) – Newly crowned World Boxing Association (WBA) Interim cruiserweight champion Beibut Shumenov (16-2, 10 KOs) recently made history once again, defeating B.J. Flores (31-2-1, 20 KOs) by way of a 12-round unanimous decision as Premier Boxing Champions series headliner, which aired July 25th on NBCSN live from The Palms in Las Vegas.

Shumenov, 31, became the mandatory challenger for WBA “regular” cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev (27-1, 20 KOs, 1 NC), of Russia, as well as the first Kazakhstan native to capture a world title in two different weight classes having been the WBA light heavyweight champion from 2010-2014.

Boxing hotbed Kazakhstan has produced five other world champions during the past quarter-century: 1990 WBC super featherweight Aratoly Alexandrov, 2000 WBC heavyweight Oleg “Big O” Maskaev, 2001-2003 – IBF cruiserweight Vassily “The Tiger” Jirov, 2010-2012 WBA super middleweight Dimitri Sartison and reigning WBA Super/WBC Interim middleweight Gennady Golovkin.

In his fist historic fight back in 2010, Shumenov defeated defending WBA light heavyweight champion Gabriel Campillo viaa 12-round decision to establish the record for fewest-fights, 10, to become world champion of a major organization in the 175-pound division.

“I am very proud to set another record in boxing,” 2004 Olympian Shumenov said. “I’m honored to be the first fighter from my country to become world champion in two divisions. I’d like to thank my manager, Al Haymon, for giving me this opportunity. Lebedev is the main target and, if I pass that test, I want to fight the best fighters in the cruiserweight division.”

Shumenov went through a style transformation, under the direction of famed Cuban head coach Ismael Salas, who worked with the athletic Kazakh to change him from an aggressive, grinding fighter into a more complete, all-around boxer. Shumenov baffled Flores, who expected Shumenov to come to him and exchange punches, which would have given the naturally bigger, stronger Flores an advantage. Instead, Shumenov masterfully boxed his way to victory, using lateral movement, angles and positioning to frustrate Flores into ineffective aggression, resulting in an array of off-balance punches and misses.

After the fight, Shumenov explained the surprising change he went through after training with Salas since January. “I’m still in the learning process. Like my trainer says, there are no limits, and I still haven’t perfected what he’s teaching me. It really comes down to a lot of hard work, repetitions of muscle memory. My footwork for this fight came from my trainer. I was happy to be victorious but I still see myself getting a lot better, overall, as a complete boxer.”

(L-R) Shumenov & Salas

Salas also trains World Boxing Council (WBC) World Lightweight Champion Jorge Linares (39-3, 26 KOs), in addition to handling past and present world champions such as Guillermo Rigondeaux, Yuriokis Gamboa, Danny Green, and Jesse Vargas.

“There is a process for everybody in terms of bio-mechanics,” Salas commented. “There are specialties of training I teach that aren’t used often in boxing, specific exercises for the dynamics of motion. I originally learned to coach in the Cuban system, which is similar to the Soviet system in which Beibut first learned, but I’ve also been all over the world learning different methods of training. It still takes time for a world-class fighter like Beibut, who has been world champion as a professional, and had many amateur matches. Jorge Linares was a two-time world champion before we started working together. Beibut is getting there. He’s still not at his full potential, right now, using only 40-50 percent of his tools.”

Shumenov is a lawyer and successful businessman who speaks five languages. Although he’s a two-time world champion, he’s still a student of boxing, and Salas is his highly respected professor.

“He’s (Salas) humble but a genius,” Shumenov insists. “He asks and listens to my opinions. We concentrate on fundamentals and he explains everything to me. Our team had a daily routine in camp in which we shared our knowledge after each training session. The four of us (Shumenov, Salas, Grmjoja and Crisler) became one.”

 

And the result was a second world title.

 

Fans may friend Beibut Shumenov on his Facebook Fan Page atwww.facebook.com/BeibutShumenov.

BEIBUT SHUMENOV WINS CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE WITH VICTORY OVER B.J. FLORES ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN

FROM THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT

(Photo Credit: Suzanne Teresa/PBC)

ISIAH THOMAS TRIUMPHANT IN BATTLE OF UNDEFEATED CRUISERWEIGHTS AGAINST JORDAN SHIMMELL

Claudio Marrero Knocks Out Rico Ramos In Round Two

&

Andrew Tabiti Shuts Out Roberto Santos To Remain Undefeated

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions

 

LAS VEGAS (July 25, 2015) – Beibut Shumenov (16-2, 10 KOs) defeated B.J. Flores (31-2-1, 20 KOs) by unanimous decision Saturday night to win a cruiserweight world title on Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort.

 

Shumenov came out aggressive early before using his movement late to earn a world title in a second division and become the first fighter from Kazakhstan to achieve that feat. Flores was competitive throughout the fight, countering effectively when Shumenov showed aggression while landing more power punches.

 

In the 12th-round Flores wobbled Shumenov on the ropes in the closing seconds, but was unable to earn a knockdown. Shumenov used a strong jab and quick movements to make Flores miss consistently. All three judges scored the fight 116-112.

 

In a battle of undefeated rising cruiserweight contenders, Detroit’s Isiah Thomas (15-0, 6 KOs) earned a hard-fought victory over Jordan Shimmell (19-1, 16 KOs) in their 10-round bout.

 

The southpaw Thomas used his slick-style to slow down Shimmell’s offense and land lead rights to the head that left Shimmell’s right eye cut. Thomas was able to fend Shimmell off on the inside as the broader Shimmell attempted to land big punches from close quarters. Thomas won by the scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93.

 

In further action, Dominican power-puncher Claudio Marrero (19-1, 14 KOs) delivered a vicious second round knockout over former world champion Rico Ramos (24-5, 12 KOs). Marrero connected with a strong overhand left that immediately sent Ramos to the canvas, prompting referee Jay Nady to wave off the count. The knockout came twenty seconds into the round.

 

The televised opener featured undefeated cruiserweight Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti(11-0, 10 KOs) scoring a dominant unanimous decision victory over Roberto Santos(12-2, 5 KOs). Tabiti used his length and speed to outwork and outland Santos over the eight-round fight. All three judges scored the fight 80-72.

 

BEIBUT SHUMENOV

 

“B.J. is a strong guy but he was lunging while I was scoring points. I’m still in the learning process and I’m more comfortable as a cruiserweight.

 

“Boxing is an art. I used my skills, positioning, angles and footwork to win the fight.

 

“I feel blessed, I have a strong team that is like one. Without them I wouldn’t have won the fight tonight.

 

“I followed the instructions from my corner and thought I won the fight clearly.

 

“I had extra motivation to make history. I first did that when I wont the light heavyweight title in 10 fights and now I’m the first person from my country to win world titles in two different division. I’m very proud of that.

 

“Denis Lebedev is my main target. But I want to fight all the best and most dangerous cruiserweights in the world.”

 

B.J. FLORES

 

“Beibut always comes forward, he’s very tough, but tonight he ran the whole night. It’s tough to win a fight when the guy is trying to run in circles.

 

“My punches were crisp and effective and I hurt him. He had nothing on his punches and never hurt me.

 

“I wobbled him in the twelfth round and then I went in to rush him. He kept moving back though.

 

“You have to want to fight. PBC is about guys wanting to fight. That’s what it’s all about.

 

“I’m ready to get back in the ring, I’m fine. It was difficult to catch up with him because he wanted to move around so much.

 

“I learned in those last few rounds that even though he was moving around so much, I could pick up the tempo and bring the fight to him.

 

“You can’t fight a guy who isn’t trying to engage. You have to fight to win the fight. He was throwing jabs while I was trying to hurt him.

 

“I’m so thankful to all my fans who came out tonight, I wouldn’t be anywhere without them. I will be back. Beibut, I want the rematch.”

 

ISIAH THOMAS

 

“I think I did well in there. I listened to my corner and was able to land punches.

 

“I used my defense, my eyes and most importantly I listened to my corner. I should have thrown some more punches, but I wanted to stay on the outside and use angles.

 

“I knew it was going to be a close fight, he came very hard and I had to be at my best. Me and my team were able to get it done.

 

“I feel great about representing Detroit boxing. I want to carry on the legendary legacy of Kronk Gym and just keep working.

 

“This win is huge for my career. Being on the national stage was a great experience for me.

 

“I want to get back in the ring as soon as possible. I’m going to get back in the gym and get with my team but I’ll be back soon.”

 

JORDAN SHIMMELL

 

“I thought it was a closer fight than the judges had it. Nothing he did surprised me, I knew it was going to be a tough fight.

 

“I just have to be even more prepared. He is a great fighter, I thought it was closer. But he’s a great fighter.

 

“I’m okay, I’m going to come back.”

 

CLAUDIO MARRERO

 

“I trained very hard for this fight and I was just listening to the corner and we saw that the overhand was open and I connected on it.

 

“I’ve improved a lot since my loss and I come into each fight better and better. I’m more confident in my preparation and I have a great fight plan.

 

“I’m very excited about this victory. We worked so hard for this fight. I hope that boxing will take Dominican fighters a little more seriously. There are currently two Dominican world champions and I want to be the third.

 

“I want to fight the best of the best. Whoever it is, I’m ready”

 

ANDREW TABITI

 

“I stayed disciplined tonight. It was a good test tonight and I’m just ready to get back to work.

 

“I was a little disappointed I couldn’t get the knockout but I felt really good in there. Hats off to my opponent, he was tough and could really take a punch.

 

“I hurt him in the last round and he was holding me, but he was able to stay on his feet. I’m still going to knock guys out but I wanted to show the world I have the talent to go in there and box.

 

“I hope that I left everyone entertained and I’m going to keep on working hard and go from there.”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.mayweatherpromotions.com,follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Beibut_Shumenov, @BJFloresBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @NBCSports, and @PearlAtPalms and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

(Photo Credit: Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions)

 

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions

LAS VEGAS (July 23, 2015) – Fighters competing in a pair of exciting cruiserweight matchups on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN event held a final press conference Thursday in advance of their July 25 bouts at The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort.

 

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world champion Beibut Shumenov (15-2, 10 KOs) taking on B.J. Flores (31-1-1, 20 KOs) in a 12-round showdown. A 10-round battle between undefeated fighters Jordan Shimmell(19-0, 16 KOs) and Isiah Thomas (14-0, 6 KOs) will also be featured on the telecast.

 

Rounding out the televised action is a 10-round featherweight battle between former world champion Rico Ramos (24-4, 12 KOs) and Claudio Marrero (18-1, 13 KOs) plus eight-round of cruiserweight action featuring undefeated knockout artist Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (10-0, 10 KOs) taking on Roberto Santos (12-1, 5 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $100.50, $75.50, $50.50, and $20.50, plus applicable fees and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:

 

BEIBUT SHUMENOV

 

“I’m very happy to be part of PBC. My training camp was excellent, my best because I wasn’t stressed about losing weight.  I’m blessed to have a great coach, Ismael Salas, and assistant coaches Jeff Grmoja and Rodney Crisler.

 

“All the work has been done for Saturday night. I want to fight the best to prove that I’m the best cruiserweight in the world.

“I’m really happy for this opportunity.  I feel reborn since I met my new trainer.  I’ve changed and I feel like it’s a new beginning.  I want to fight the best fighters in the world.

“Every day we work hard on fundamentals to improve my skills and conditioning.  Each day I learn.

“I feel much better as a cruiserweight without stress on my body like I did when I had to make 175 pounds. Now, I just focus on getting better instead of making weight.

“Flores has been a cruiserweight for a long time.  Fighting an opponent like him is a good opportunity for me.

“If I pass the test, I want to unify the titles.”

 

B.J. FLORES

 

“I want to thank everyone on my team for having faith in me and believing me. This is a great opportunity for my career.

 

“I’m very excited about this night and this whole event. We have a great night of cruiserweight boxing. I’ve kept an eye on all of these guys because you never know who you’ll fight and now we’re all up here on the dais.

 

“As I look back in my career there are a lot of things I would have changed and things I would have done differently. I’ve had different promoters and switched things around a lot. I feel like this Saturday, I have the chance to erase all the wrongs from my career.

 

“Something that is very motivating for me is my one loss, when I traveled over to Australia to fight Danny Green.

 

“At 200-pounds I’ve never lost and I’m not going to lose on Saturday night.

 

“I have a lot of confidence and a lot of motivation coming into this fight. Beibut is a good fighter and I’ve taken this challenge more seriously than any other fight in my entire life.

 

“I know the dangers that this man possesses and I’ll be ready for them on Saturday. I’m going to lay it all out on the line and cement my entire career on Saturday night.

 

“I’m looking forward to stepping into the ring with Beibut. He’s a very good fighter. They don’t give light heavyweight world titles for free or because they’re easy. He earned it. Everything he’s gotten in his career he’s earned and I’m looking to get mine on Saturday night.”

 

JORDAN SHIMMELL

 

“I feel ready. I’m prepared. I’ve been looking forward to this moment for quite a while now. I trained hard and feel healthy. I just have to perform well and show everything I have on Saturday.

 

“From a young age it was always a dream of mine to be on this stage. Making it here now, I just want to further my career and perform well so I can do that.

 

“Anytime you get to fight in Vegas it’s an exciting thing. This is the boxing headquarters of the world. Being on the main stage on television is very exciting.

 

“I know Isiah is a quick guy, so we’ve been working a lot of speed, quickness and movement. I pride myself on not getting hit often. I want to continue that and make it an easier fight on Saturday.

 

“Fighting on this PBC card is definitely a big motivation because it’s where I’ve wanted to be. I want to get another opportunity to fight on television and if I perform well I think that will do it.

 

“I’m a good well-rounded fighter that can do a bit of everything. That’s what makes my fights easier, because I’m able to switch up styles.

 

“I represent the whole state of Michigan in this fight. I want to rep the state and eventually the whole country.

 

“Quite possibly one of those guys who was up on stage with me could a future opponent. Those are the top guys in the division and they’re all great fighters so I would look forward to any fight my team puts together.”

 

ISIAH THOMAS

 

“I’m very excited, it’s great to be fighting in Las Vegas for the first time. I’ve said it before though, it doesn’t matter where I fight, my emotions are always in check and I’m just ready to go to work.

 

“Training camp was excellent. I was five weeks into training camp when I got this fight so everything is 100 percent.

 

“I’ve worked on staying busy, throwing a lot of punches and using angles. I’ll outwork him or outland him. I’m going to use my speed and my boxing skills.

 

“I’m a puncher-boxer with great ring generalship. I’m an all-around fighter. I want to get in the ring and look spectacular.

 

“I’m just going to work every night, if the knockout comes I’ll go for it. But it’s more about just looking impressive.

 

“To be a part of the PBC movement means a lot. They’re bringing back the history of boxing and to be a part of the movement is really important to me.”

 

ANDREW TABITI

 

“I’m ready to fight. I’ve worked hard to prepare myself to fight. Come Saturday it’s just going to be a regular day in the ring.

 

“Everything I do is setup, it’s like chess. I try to be smart and not take too much punishment. I want to catch guys when they make mistakes.

 

“I’m prepared for my opponent and the Mexican-style he’ll bring into the ring. I plan on him ending up like the rest of them.

 

“Being in the Mayweather gym is great because there’s so many different kinds of fighters in there. It feels like a fight every day. It gets your mind ready for the stage like this. There’s all kinds of people looking at you and it helps you get ready mentally.

 

“I’d like to fight any of the guys on the stage today. I want to make good fights and bring the cruiserweight division back.”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.mayweatherpromotions.com,follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Beibut_Shumenov, @BJFloresBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @NBCSports, and @PearlAtPalms and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION RICO RAMOS TAKES ON CLAUDIO MARRERO ON SATURDAY, JULY 25 AT THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT IN LAS VEGAS

 

Plus! Undefeated Prospects Michael Hunter, Andrew Tabiti

& Ladarius Miller All In Action

 

Main Event Features Beibut Shumenov vs. B.J. Flores

On Premier Boxing Champions On NBCSN

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

LAS VEGAS (July 21, 2015) – Former World Champion Rico Ramos (24-4, 12 KOs) takes on hard-hitting Claudio Marrero (18-1, 13 KOs) in a featherweight battle on Saturday, July 25 at the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

 

The bout is part of a full night action headlined by a 12-round cruiserweight showdown between Beibut Shumenov (15-2, 10 KOs) and B.J. Flores (31-1-1, 20 KOs). Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with a 10-round contest between undefeated cruiserweights Jordan Shimmell(19-0, 16 KOs) and Isiah Thomas (14-0, 6 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions are priced at $100.50, $75.50, $50.50, and $20.50, plus applicable fees and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased atwww.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

Undefeated prospects will faces tough tests Saturday as knockout artist Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti(10-0, 10 KOs) faces Roberto Santos (12-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round cruiserweight bout, 2012 U.S. Olympian Michael Hunter (8-0, 5 KOs) battles Michael Bissett (9-7, 7 KOs)in 10-rounds of heavyweight action and Ladarius “Memphis” Miller (7-0, 1 KO)rounds out the action in a six-round super lightweight contest against Sean Gee (2-0).

 

A decorated amateur out of Carson, California, Ramos won a super bantamweight world title in 2011 by knocking out Akifumi Shimoda. The 28-year-old owns victories over previously unbeaten fighters Efrain Esquivias and Carlos Ivan Velasquez. He most recently took home a unanimous decision victory over Juan Ruiz in Dec. 2014.

 

After winning a silver medal at the 2007 Pan American Games, in addition to several other amateur accolades, the Dominican Republic’s Marrero won the first 14 outings of his pro career. At 26-years-old, he brings a four-fight win streak into this matchup on July 25, including his most recent victory over Orlando Rizo in February.

 

A 2012 U.S. Olympian who won U.S. Amateur Championships in 2009 and 2007, the 26-year-old Hunter has begun to make a name for himself in the professional ranks since turning pro in 2013. After winning four times in 2014, the Van Nuys, California-native won a unanimous decision over Avery Gibson in February to start 2015 and followed that up by stopping Deon Elam in June. He takes on the 31-year-old Bissett of Biloxi, Mississippi.

 

Coming off of a thrilling one-punch knockout over Thomas Hanshaw in June, the 25-year-old Tabiti looks to keep his knockout ratio perfect when he returns on July 25. The Chicago-born cruiserweight now fighting out of Las Vegas will face the most experienced fighter of his career when he battles the 26-year-old Mexican Santos.

 

A slick fighter out of Memphis but fighting out of Las Vegas, Miller is unbeaten since turning pro in 2014. The 21-year-old most recently took home a unanimous decision over Marquis Taylor in April and will return to take on the 27-year-old Portland, Oregon born Gee.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.TGBPromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Beibut_Shumenov, @BJFloresBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @NBCSports, and @PearlAtPalms and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions andwww.facebook.com/NBCSports