Shumenov dominates Uzelkov to successfully defend IBA light heavyweight
championship
July 31, 2010
IBA Light Heavyweight Champion
Beibut Shumenov (10-1, 6 KOs) successfully defended his IBA world title belt
last Friday night previously unbeaten, mandatory challenger Vyachesklav Uzelkov
(22-1, 14 KOs) at Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, California.
Shumenov headlined the ESPN Friday Night Fights card, promoted by Goossen Tutor
in association with KZ Event Productions, which is owned and operated out of Las
Vegas by the Shumenov brothers, Beibut and Chingis.
Shumenov, making the first defense of his IBA world title that he recaptured
this past January, overcame excessive heat that registered higher than 100
degrees, as well as a first-round flash knockdown to completely dominate Uzelkov
for a lopsided 12-round decision (118-108 twice, 117-109).
Uzelkov had a flash knockdown of Shumenov with a counter-left hook late in the
opening round, which seemed to embarrass the defending champ more than anything.
“It was a lucky punch,” he explained. “I was never hurt.”
Beibut bounced right up and outworked his opponent the remaining 11 rounds,
flooring Uzelkov with a straight right at the end of the third round. Shumenov
displayed vast improvement in only his second fight with Kevin Barry as his
chief second. A cut on his right eyelid never became a favor thanks to the work
of cutman “stitch” Duran.
“I’m very happy,” Shumenov said after the fight. “I was in great shape and the
heat didn’t bother me. He’s a good fighter with more than 300 amateur fights and
22-0 as a pro. He had knocked out my last opponent, showing how much I improved
in one fight, and I will continue improving.
“I want a unification fight. I’ve got the best trainer in the world, Kevin
Barry, and I was able to improve a lot for this fight because I’m working with
my new promoter, Goossen Tutor.”
“Fans in America are going to love Beibut Shumenov,” promoter Dan Goossen said.
“He’s a warrior.”
Go to www.kzeventproductions.com for more information about Beibut Shumenov.
