Beibut Shumenov vs. B.J. Flores
Lou Catalano, Senior Writer
B.J. Flores is back in the ring. This is how excited I am. Anyway, Beibut Shumenov is the guy who tried to train himself while fighting Bernard Hopkins and was promptly taken to school.
Flores, the occasional fighter/occasional commentator, is going to have his hands full here. I think Shumenov is fairly underrated, and at 36, I’m not sure what Flores has left, or what he really ever had at all.
Shumenov by decision.
Prediction: Shumenov
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
B.J. Flores (27-1-1, 17 KOs) had a solid amateur career and is a very good athlete. He should also be credited for being a very intelligent man in and out of the ring.
Beibut Shumenov (15-2, 10 KOs) represented Kazakhstan in the 2004 Olympics. He has far fewer fights and surrenders the experience advantage to Flores in a big way. He has, however, been the more active fighter.
I don’t see Shumenov having the power to rattle or hurt Flores. I see Flores, despite the layoff, winning via decision. He is a better fighter, simple as that.
Prediction: Flores
Mike Burnell, Staff Writer
Neither of these guys is going to win the Joe Luis Active Fighter Award, but it appears that B.J. Flores has had twice as many fights in the last year than Beibut Shumenov with a total of two.
Flores has an edge in pro experience with 33 fights to Shumenov’s relative paltry 17. Despite his inexperience however Shumenov hung tough with crafty veteran Bernard Hopkins albeit being dropped and shaken badly by “The Alien” at light heavyweight.
Shiumenov is a good fighter even though he doesn’t have a surplus of pro rounds under his belt but will find being hit by a solid cruiserweight is different than by a 50 year old light heavyweight not known for his power.
Flores will not have an easy time and if he loses focus could absolutely find himself out boxed and on the wrong end of the scorecards, but I think he will pull it out. He may not win by knockout but his edge in power and size will help him impose himself and he should be able to grind out a win.
Prediction: Flores
Brent Herrin, Staff Writer
Premier Boxing Champions feature bout on Saturday July 25 at the Palms Casino and Resort will pit Beibut Shumenov (15-2, 10 KOs) against B.J. Flores (31-1, 20 KOs) for the vacant interim WBA cruiserweight title.
Shumenov recently parted ways with his former trainer, which happened to be himself, and has retained the services of veteran trainer Ismael Salas. The addition of a veteran trainer will give Shumenov a better training camp, and provide much needed guidance in between rounds during the fight.
Flores knows, at 36, that if he doesn’t capitalize on this opportunity, there may not be another one. Being the naturally bigger man may give Flores a slight advantage, but it’s not going to be enough to secure the win.
Prediction: Shumenov
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
I’m scared to see how many people actually attend this event. The budget for this show might be so bad that B.J. Flores might have to pull double duty and pick up his normal PBC commentating duties in between rounds.
Seriously though, it’s good to see that Beibut Shumenov didn’t off himself after making the disastrous decision to train himself in the biggest fight of his life against Bernard Hopkins.
Flores is too old and has been too inactive to defeat Shumenov who has picked up a trainer and one win by stoppage since his loss to Hopkins.
Prediction: Shumenov
