Beibut Shumenov vs. Tamas Kovacs
Photo by Naoki Fukada
Rob Anthony, Contributing Writer
Prediction: Shumenov
Jose Sotomayor, Contributing Writer
In this battle of light heavies, look for the undefeated Tamas Kovacs to come out with a chip on his shoulder. Only negative is that his record seems to be padded. Beibut Shumenov on the other hand has defeated the likes of Gabriel Campillo and Enrique Ornelas who both at one point were title contenders. Shumenov will look to his experience as an advantage in the fight.
Prediction: Shumenov
Lenin Acevedo, Photographer
You know, had Beibut Shumenov remained active this year, I would’ve given him a better shot, but the guy hasn’t fought in a year. Ring rust will surely be present in this bout. Tamas Kovacs ain’t no chump. He’s a heavy hitter with a 60.87 percent KO ratio. I see “Tomi Kid” taking this one.
Prediction: Kovacs
Gabe Rivas, Contributing Writer
In his short career, Beibut Shumenov has earned the IBA and WBA Light Heavyweight titles. Despite that, he still lacks the power, explosiveness, and skill of his counterparts Sergey Kovalev and Adonis Stevenson. With a KO ratio merely over 50% and an unparalleled work rate–he can work for a full twelve rounds–I have Shumenov winning a unanimous decision.
Prediction: Shumenov
Brendan Montenegro, Contributing Writer
I do not know to much about Tamas Kovacs, but I do know Beibut Shumenov is a beast. My decision is hard on this one, but I will stay with who I know. Shumenov by KO.
Prediction: Shumenov
Juan Carlos Burgos, Contributing Writer
Beibut Shumenov is a decent boxer puncher who will need to keep the older Tamas Kovacs at a distance and pick his spots to fight on the inside. For his part, Kovacs will look to be the aggressor and take the fight to Shumenov. Shumenov should use his youth and speed to outwork and outmaneuver the older Kovacs.
Prediction: Shumenov
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Beibut Shumenov does not impress me much. On top of that he’s been inactive. Tamas Kovacs–while older–seems to me like he can pull off the upset and take the titles from the champion. Even though I think Shumenov is over hyped, Kovacs certainly doesn’t have a name like him on his resume so it remains to be seen if this step up in competition is just too much. But, at age 36, it’s now or never for Kovacs. I say it’s now and think Kovacs wins by decision.
Prediction: Kovacs
