LAS VEGAS (December 15, 2011) – World Boxing Association (“WBA”) and International Boxing Association (“IBA”) light heavyweight World champion Beibut Shumenov returned home this week to receive one of the highest awards presented by the Republic of Kazakhstan, the “Barys (Snow Leopard) Award III.”

Normally given to political and military dignitaries, the “Barys Award” recipients are personally selected by President Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev for internationally promoting Kazak culture through, in Shumenov’s case, his accomplishments in sports.

Introduced in 1999, the “Barys Award” is presented to individuals for service in strengthening the State System and Sovereignty of the Republic of Kazakhstan, guaranteeing peace, consolidating the community and unity of the people of Kazakhstan in state, industrial, scientific, socio-cultural and public activity, and consolidating cooperation among peoples, rapprochement and inter-enrichment of national cultures.

The ceremony was held this past Wednesday at the White House of Kazakhstan, Ak-Orda, in the capital of Astana during the 20th anniversary celebration week of Kazakhstan’s independence.

“I am very humbled to receive this prestigious award,” Shumenov said.  “I never dreamed of being honored like this. I would like to sincerely thank President Nazarbayev and his staff, as well as all people of Kazakhstan, most especially my family to whom I am so grateful for everything.”

Shumenov (12-1, 8 KOs), a 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian, will soon announce his next title defense and continue his quest to unify the world light heavyweight championship.

LAS VEGAS (November 1, 2011) –  World Boxing Association (“WBA”) and International Boxing Association (“IBA”) light heavyweight World champion Beibut Shumenov and Goossen Tutor Promotions have settled their lawsuit and the disputes between them.  They have agreed that their Promotional Contract is terminated and have amicably parted ways.

Shumenov (12-1, 8 KOs), a 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian, is promoted by Las Vegas-based KZ Event Productions, which is owned and operated by the Shumenov brothers, Beibut and Chingis.

“I want to fight the best to be considered the best 175 pounder in the world,” Shumenov said.  “I’ve heard that (Nathan) Cleverly, who won the WBO title after (Juergen) Braehmer was stripped, and (IBF champion Tavoris) Cloud have mentioned my name, but, truth be told, we have never been contacted by either one of their promoters to unify.

“All of these guys talking about unifying, well, if they really want to make it happen, all they have to do is contact us. I told Pascal that I’m from Kazakhstan, he lives in Canada; so, we should fight in the capital of boxing, Las Vegas. Same goes for Cleverly, who is from the United Kingdom.

“I’m getting ready and looking forward to a fresh New Year.  Hopefully, one of the other light heavyweight world champions will put his title belt on the line against mine in a unification fight in 2012. ”

Shumenov set a light heavyweight record for capturing a world title in the fewest career fights, 10, when (Jan. 29, 2010) he won a 12-round decision against Gabriel Campillo in Las Vegas. In three successful world title defenses, Shumenov won a unanimous 12-round decision versus No. 1 mandatory challenger and previously undefeated Viacheslav Uzelkov (UDEC12), followed by a six-round knockout of three-time world champion William Joppy (KO6), and then his victory in July by ninth-round TKO versus three-time world title challenger Danny Santiago.

“We keep hearing and reading about all these offers made to Beibut,” noted Hall of Fame promoter Don Chargin, who serves as Shumenov’s advisor.  “We’ve only talked with Pascal, who was told that Beibut would fight him at a neutral site. I intend to reach out to Cleverly’s promoter, Frank Warren, to see if they’re serious about fighting a unification with Beibut.  He is ready, willing and able to fight Cleverly.  We won’t turn down a fair deal with any of the other world champions.

“Over the years, I’ve worked with many different people in this business, and Beibut is an absolute joy to be with and always a pleasure.  Nobody trains harder than Beibut and he’s improving every day.  Our goal in 2012 is to go after all of the world champions who’ve said they made offers to fight Beibut.  We hope something happens in that respect.  After Beibut makes a title defense in Las Vegas, I’d love to see him defend his title before 50,000-60,000 in Kazakhstan.  Beibut will never stop trying to unify the world light heavyweight title.”

In only 13 pro fights, Beibut has defeated four world champions (Campillo, Joppy, Byron Mitchell and Montell Griffin), as well as three world title challengers (Uzelkov, Santiago and Epifanio Mendoza

For additional information about Shumenov visit www.KZEventProductions.com.

World Boxing Association (“WBA”) and International Boxing Association (“IBA”) World Light Heavyweight Champion Beibut Shumenov successfully defended his title belts last Friday night (July 29), unloading a 23-punch explosion on three-time world title challenger Danny “The Bronx Bomber” Santiago in the ninth round, when referee Tony Weeks mercifully halted the action.

Shumenov-Santiago headlined the “Fire & Fury” championship card, which aired live on TeleFutura’s “Sólo Boxeo Tecate” from South Point Hotel Casino in Las Vegas.

“Fire & Fury” was promoted by KZ Event Productions (the Shumenov brothers – Beibut and Chingis – own and operate the Las Vegas-based KZ Event Productions) in association with Golden Boy Promotions, Don Chargin Productions, Guilty Boxing and South Point Hotel Casino, and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and AT&T.

Shumenov (12-1, 8 KOs) systematically broke-down a game Santiago (31-5-1, 19 KOs), WBA No. 15, using his jab and going to the body in the early rounds. “It definitely wasn’t like I expected,” Shumenov commented about the start of the fight. “He specifically prepared for my style. I knew he was tough but not that tough. He’s durable and can take good punches.”

“Shumenov is a great fighter,” Santiago remarked. “He has a good, sound technique. My eye swelled and got worse and I had trouble seeing the punches at the end. I thought I could have gone longer but, you live by the sword, you die by the sword.”

“Beibut looked really good,” promoter Chingis Shumenov commented. “Santiago was in great shape and gave his best. Beibut boxed for the first few rounds, using his jab and left hook to close Danny’s right eye. When he had him hurt in the last round, Beibut finished the fight with all of those big punches.

“Ravshan showed more improvement and has gone to another level. He will be world champion some day. Gayrat fought very well but he can do even better. His stamina improved and he will become a great champion, too. We have another good fighter in the KZ stable, Alexandr Zhuravskiy (WBA International super lightweight champion, WBA #15), who didn’t fight on this card. He has a lot of good potential. He was a standout amateur in Kazakhstan.”

Undefeated welterweight prospect Hudaynazarov (15-0, 12 KOs), rated No, 9 by the WBA, successfully defended his WBA FEDALATIN championship via a one-sided, unanimous 10-round decision (99-91, 99-91, 98-92) versus tough Hector “The Hurricane” Munoz (19-6-1, 12 KOs). The two fought at close proximity for the entire fight, but Ravshan consistently beat Munoz to the punch.

“He had the same style as mine,” Ravshan added. “I felt very comfortable. My power was good and my defense fighting inside improved. I’m very comfortable fighting at welterweight.”

Unbeaten light heavyweight Ahmedov (17-0-1, 11 KOs), rated No. 2 by the WBA, used a relentless body attack to pitch a complete shutout, winning all eight rounds (80-72 three times) against Billy Bailey in defense of his WBA International title.

“I was very happy he didn’t go down in the first or second round,” Gayrat noted. “I needed the rounds and he fought hard for all eight. I used my left hook to his body throughout the fight.”

A Night of Boxing & Entertainment

A near sold-out crowd thoroughly enjoyed an evening of competitive boxing as well as a diverse group of entertainers as KZ Event Production successfully fused boxing and entertainment for fans.

John Mastalir wrote the following in his blog for Las Vegas Entertainment:

Friday’s 7 bout card was in fact….. Fire and Fury…boxing and more. I have loathed the delays, dead time and endless intermissions at boxing events for 25 years here in Las Vegas…all due to television and bad promotion. NOT HERE !

The damn thing started on time, my biggest bitch of all, and the between fights dead time was filled with “the karate kid”…a fire magician with a real act….and between round dancers which were quite good.

The South Pointe convention arena was set up pretty well for this, with its low ceiling…they had a big crowd and a totally complete satisfying entertainment program….LAS VEGAS ENTERTAINMENT NEWS….covers all entertainment as well as boxing and tonight we got it all! It still continues to amaze me how in spite of everything the sound man can hit the rap music at the bell after every round and never miss a beat.

About KZ Event Productions, Inc.
KZ Event Productions is a full service, international boxing promotional company in Las Vegas, Nevada. Owned and operated by Beibut and Chingis Shumenov, its growing stable of champions include WBA/IBA light heavyweight World Champion Beibut Shumenov, WBA FEDALATIN welterweight champion Ravshan Hudaynazarov, WBA International light heavyweight champion Gayrat Ahmedov and WBA International light welterweight champion Alexandr Zhuravskiy.

-KZ-

‘Fire & Fury’ on Solo Boxeo Tecate show July 29 live at South Point Hotel Casino, Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (June 30, 2011) – Two-time world title challenger Danny “The Bronx Bomber” Santiago is hoping the third time’s the charm for him when he challenges World Boxing Association/International Boxing Association Light Heavyweight World Champion Beibut Shumenov, headlining the “Fire and Fury” pro boxing card, July 29 on the TeleFutura’s Solo Boxeo Tecate show, airing live from South Point Hotel Casino in Las Vegas.

“Fire & Fury” is being promoted by KZ Event Productions, which is owned and operated by the Shumenov brothers, Beibut and Chingis, in Las Vegas. Shumenov-Santiago is somewhat of a boxing anomaly, featuring a pair of college graduates in a world title fight.

WBA #15 ranked Santiago (31-4-1, 19 KOs), fighting out of Ocala, Florida, is a two-time world title challenger. His signature victory was a fourth-round technical knockout of 30-1 Elvir Muriqi. Santiago was also featured on the third season of The Contender reality television series.

The Bronx native who lives in Ocala (FL) has had two proposed fights fall out, including one against Roy Jones, Jr. “I promised myself and my family that I would continue boxing as long as I still enjoyed it,” the University of South Florida graduate (business & accounting major) explained. “I still do. I opened a business – a gym around boxing (Central Florida Boxing – www.centralfloridaboxing.com) – to have something to fall back on when I retire from boxing. It’s turned out be a great thing. I had those two fights fall through but things like that happen when you’re self-promoted. But I stayed in my gym, working hard, and now I’m blessed to have this opportunity.”

Shumenov (11-1, 7 KOs), the 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian who is now fighting out of Las Vegas, set a light heavyweight record for capturing a world title in the fewest career fights, 10, when (Jan. 10, 2010) he won a 12-round decision against Gabriel Campillo in Las Vegas. Shumenov has successfully defended his WBA/IBA titles twice against No. 1 mandatory challenger Viacheslav Uzelkov (UDEC12) and three-time world champion William Joppy (KO6) last January in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. In his 11 pro fights, Beibut has defeated four world champions (Campillo, Joppy, Byron Mitchell and Montell Griffin) and two world title challengers (Uzelkov and Epifanio Mendoza).

“I don’t know Beibut but he’s obviously a unique individual having already accomplished what he has in 11 pro fights,” Santiago remarked. “But this is a business and I will do what I have to do in the ring against him. Boxing is what we’ve both chosen to do. Fighting is easy; it’s everything else in this business that’s difficult. Dealing with his people, though, I can tell you, they’re as professional as any I’ve ever worked with in boxing. It may be surprising for me to say this but, they’re very honest, first-class people. Everything they’ve said has actually happened.”

Santiago has more professional ring experience than Shumenov by 10 years, 24 fights and 97 rounds. Danny has lost two world light heavyweight title fights, both in 2007, to Zsolt Erdei (WBO) and Antonio Tarver (IBO).

“I don’t really have very much of an experience advantage over him,” Danny added.”Don’t look past his Olympics experience, on the grandest stage, fighting the best in the world. I may have more pro fights than him but he’s fought the same class of fighters, pro and Olympians, as I have.

“I’m not trying to butter him up but Shumenov is very exciting, smart, and strong. And just look at him – he’s a ‘brick-house!’ I need to be in the best shape of my life for this fight to fulfill the dream I had as a kid that I now have as a grown adult (win a world title).”

“Fire & Fury” is being presented by KZ Event Productions in association with Golden Boy Promotions, Don Chargin Promotions, Guilty Boxing, Solo Boxeo Tecate and South Point Hotel Casino.

Tickets, starting at $25.00, are available to purchase at South Point’s box office, on line at http://www.southpointeventscenter.com/events.php, or by calling 1.702.797.8055.

Doors open at 5:30 PM/PT, first bout at 6:00 PM/PT, first TV bout at 8:30 PM/PT

Go on line to www.KZEventProductions.com for additional information about “Fire & Fury,” Shumenov or any of the KZ Event Productions fighters.

World Light Heavyweight Champion Beibut Shumenov Makes third title defense July 29 in Las Vegas
‘Fire & Fury’ on Solo Boxeo Tecate show live at South Point Hotel Casino

LAS VEGAS (June 22, 2011) – KZ Event Productions announced today that World Boxing Association/International Boxing Association Light Heavyweight World Champion Beibut Shumenov will make his third title defense July 29, showcased on TeleFutura’s Solo Boxeo Tecate show, live from South Point Hotel Casino in Las Vegas.

“Fire & Fury,” headlined by the WBA/IBA championship showdown between Shumenov (11-1, 7 KOs) and challenger Danny “The Bronx Bomber” Santiago, is being promoted by KZ Event Productions. Shumenov and his brother, Chingis, own and operate the Las Vegas-based KZ Event Productions.

Shumenov (11-1, 7 KOs), the 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian who is now fighting out of Las Vegas, set a light heavyweight record for capturing a world title in the fewest career fights, 10, when he won (Jan. 10, 2010) a 12-round decision against Gabriel Campillo in Las Vegas. Shumenov has successfully defended his WBA/IBA titles twice against No. 1 mandatory challenger Viacheslav Uzelkov (UDEC12) and three-time world champion William Joppy (KO6) last January in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.

“I’m very excited to be fighting in my adopted hometown, Las Vegas, where I won the world title,” Shumenov said. “I’ve lived in Las Vegas for a few years and I’ve wanted to defend my title belts here since I first won them. I have a lot of respect for my opponent, Danny Santiago, who has a lot of experience in big fights. In addition to my world title fight, we’ll also be showcasing world-class fighters, along with local Las Vegas favorites. This promotion will not only feature great boxing but Vegas-style entertainment, too.

“I’d like to thank Golden Boy, Don Chagrin, Guilty Boxing, TeleFutura’s Solo Boxeo and our host venue, the beautiful South Point Hotel Casino. We’re all working together to make this a memorable night for everyone there and those fans watching on television.”

WBA #15 ranked Santiago (31-4-1, 19), fighting out of Ocala, Florida, is a two-time world title challenger. His signature victory was a fourth-round technical knockout of 30-1 Elvir Muriqi. Santiago was also featured on the third season of The Contender reality television series.

“Fire & Fury” is being presented by KZ Event Productions in association with Golden Boy Promotions, Don Chagrin Promotions, Guilty Boxing, Solo Boxeo Tecate and South Point Hotel Casino.

Tickets, starting at $25.00, are available to purchase at South Point’s box office, on line at www.SouthPointEventCenter.com/tickets.php, or by calling 1.702.797.8055.

Doors open at 5:30 PM/PT, first bout at 6:00 PM/PT, first TV bout at 8:30 PM/PT

Go on line to www.KZEventProductions.com for additional information about “Fire & Fury,” Shumenov or any of the KZ Event Productions fighters.

LAS VEGAS (April 14, 2011) – WBA/IBA Light Heavyweight Champion Beibut Shumenov (11-1, 7 KOs) remains fully prepared to continue his history-making journey to unify the light heavyweight titles before the end of 2011 with one of the other 175-pound division world champions.

Shumenov’s dream suffered a setback in January when WBO titlist Juergen Braehmer pulled out of their unification title fight only a few days before their scheduled showdown in Kazakhstan. In only his 12th pro fight, Beibut was supposed to fight Braehmer (36-2, 29 KOs) in a world unification match, breaking what is believed to be the record for fewest fights in a major unification bout in which both featured fighters were world champions. The mark held by WBA cruiserweight king Evander Holyfield, who set the mark in his 15th pro fight against IBF champ Ricky Parky in 1987, is still within Shumenov’s striking range.

Shumenov, the 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian, has been on an unprecedented, accelerated pace since his pro debut only 3 1/2 years ago, defeating two world champions in his first eight bouts, Montell Griffin and Byron Mitchell. A year ago, Shumenov established the mark for fewest pro fights needed to capture a major World light heavyweight title, defeating Gabriel Campillo by decision for the WBA crown in his 10th bout, breaking the record of 15 set by Jeff “Hit Man” Harding in 1989.

“I don’t think about records,” Shumenov said. “I just want the challenge of fighting the best to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion of the world in order to be considered the best. I have a lot more to accomplish in my career to even be mentioned in the same conversation as a future Hall of Famer like Evander Holyfield.

“I chose to fight Braehmer to unify the light heavyweight division, but he pulled out, refusing to be examined by the Kazakhstan Boxing Commission doctor, and breaching his contract. I put Braehmer in the rear view mirror and got right back on track successfully defending my titles against William Joppy, who I applauded for accepting the fight on such late notice. Now, I’m fully focused on collecting the other world light heavyweight titles.”

Joppy became the fourth world champion Shumenov has defeated in his relatively young pro career. Beibut also joined fellow world champion, Lucian Bute, and former superstar Felix Trinidad as the only fighters to knockout Joppy, when Shumenov floored his experienced opponent in the fifth and then finished him off with a vicious left hook to the body in the following round.

“My goal is to unify the light heavyweight division,” Shumenov repeated. “I want to fight the other world champions and I’ll be watching their upcoming world light heavyweight title fights with great interest. I’m trying to learn everything so I can be the best.”

Shumenov owns and operates the Las Vegas-based KZ Event Productions along with his brother, Chingis. In addition to promoting Beibut, Team KZ also includes three undefeated, world-rated boxers in WBA International Light Heavyweight champion Gayrat Ahemedov (16-0-1, 10 KOs), WBA rated No. 2 contender; WBA FEDALATIN Welterweight king Ravshan Hudaynazarov (14-0, 12 KOs), rated No. 9 by the WBA; WBA International Super Lightweight titlist Alexandr Zhuravskiy (11-0, 8 KOs), who is ranked No. 15 by the WBA.

“Beibut is a very special individual who has defied boxing logic since the very beginning of his career,” Shumenov’s head trainer Kevin Barry noted. “He has been instrumental in helping to develop the careers of Gayrat, Ravshan and Alexandr as a leader for them to follow. Beibut sets the standard and they try and keep up with him. Beibut Shumenov is priceless.”

Go online to www.KZEventProductions.com for additional information about Shumenov, KZ Event Productions or any of its fighters.

-KZ-

LAS VEGAS (March 17, 2011) – World Boxing Association/International Boxing Association Light Heavyweight Champion Beibut Shumenov filed a lawsuit today (Thursday, March 17, 2011) against Goossen Tutor Promotions. The lawsuit asks the Nevada court to confirm that a promotional agreement between Shumenov and Goossen Tutor is terminated.

Shumenov terminated his agreement with Goossen Tutor Promotions in January of this year.

Shumenov alleges that Goossen Tutor Promotions violated its duties under the contract in different ways. The lawsuit charges breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud and deceptive trade practices and seeks a judicial confirmation that the agreement is terminated. Shumenov seeks unspecified damages, including punitive damages

Beibut is anxious to continue on his mission to unify the world light heavyweight titles and he will move forward through his promotion company, KZ Event Productions, Inc.

Shumenov (11-1, 7 KOs), the 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian, has been on an unprecedented, accelerated pace since his pro debut only three years ago, defeating two world champions in his first eight bouts, Montell Griffin and Byron Mitchell. A year ago, Shumenov established the mark for fewest pro fights needed to capture a major world light heavyweight title, defeating defending champion Gabriel Campillo by 12-round decision for the WBA crown in his 10th bout, breaking the record of 15 set by Jeff “Hit Man” Harding in 1989.

Shumenov was supposed to fight World Boxing Organization 175-pound titlist Juergen Braehmer in a Unification title fight January 8 in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, however, Braehmer unexpectedly pulled-out of the match the week of the fight claiming gastrointestinal problems.

Shumenov registered a victory by sixth-round knockout against Braehmer’s replacement, Joppy, who became the fourth world champion Beibut has defeated during his relative young pro career.

Shumenov owns and operates the Las Vegas-based KZ Event Productions along with his brother, Chingis.

For additional information about Shumenov go online to www.KZEventProductions.com.

-KZ-

Led by WBA/IBA Light Heavyweight Beibut Shumenov’s successful title defense against 3-time world champion William Joppy in the January 8th main event, KZ Event Productions’ trip of undefeated fighters – Ravshan Hudaynazarov, Alexandr Zhuravskiy and Gayrat Ahemedov – all turned in winning performances January 8 at the Ice Mansion in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.
Shumenov and his brother, Chinigs, own and operate KZ Event Productions in Las Vegas.
In the co-feature, Uzbekistan native Hudaynazarov (14-0, 12 KOs), rated No. 13 by the WBA, won the WBA FEDALATIN Welterweight title by 10th-round technical knockout due to a deep cut over Jose Luis “Chelin” Cruz’ right eye. A devastating body puncher, the 26-year-old Hudaynazarov dropped Cruz (41-8-2, 33 KOs) with a left hook to the liver late in the opening round, but his Mexican opponent proved to be as tough as advertised. Cruz had fought a draw with Carlos Baldomir and took Shane Mosley the full distance.

On the advice of the ring doctor, the referee stopped the fight in the 10th round, but Hudaynazarov gained invaluable experience having never before fought more than six rounds. He won every round on the three judges’ scorecards through nine in a thoroughly convincing performance.

In his KZ Event Productions debut, former Kazakhstan National Amateur Champion Zhuravskiy (11-0, 8 KOs), now fighting out of Las Vegas, kept his perfect pro record intact by knocking out Ruben “Modern Day” Galvan in the sixth round to capture the WBA International Super Lightweight Championship. Zhuravskiy methodically broke-down Galvan, who had been stopped only twice in 45 previous fights, flooring him with a left and then immediately jumping on him with a 1-2 combination that ended the fight.

Unbeaten Interim PABA Light Heavyweight Gayrat Ahemedov (16-0-1, 10 KOs), rated No. 6 by the WBA, successfully defended that belt and added the WBC International crown to his collection when Tursunboy Absullakimov was unable to answer the bell to start the fifth round.

Although disappointed not to unify the WBA & WBO Light Heavyweight Championships, WBA/IBA Light Heavyweight Champion Beibut Shumenov (11-1, 7 KOs) successfully defended his world titles for the second time, stopping 3-time world champion William Joppy in the sixth round, January 8 in front of a packed house at the Ice Mansion in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.

Joppy (39-6-2, 30 KOs) replaced WBO titlist Juergen Braehmer, who five days prior to fight night, suddenly and unexpectedly pulled out of his scheduled unification showdown against Shumenov, in the main event.

“I trained too hard for Braehmer and did not want to disappoint my fans and many dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, attending the sold-out show,” Shumenov explained. “I’m put Braehmer in the rear view mirror and got right back on track defending my titles against Joppy, who I applauded for accepting this fight, and I’m focused on collecting the other world light heavyweight titles.”

The former Kazakhstan Olympian, now fighting out of Las Vegas, floored Joppy in the fifth round with a powerful right and seconds into the sixth round, he fired a vicious left hook to Joppy’s body that resulted in him taking a knee and being 10-counted out. Shumenov joined fellow world champion Lucian Bute and former superstar Felix Trinidad as the only fighters to ever stop the game, experienced Joppy.

“I’m happy but still want to be the undisputed light heavyweight champion of the world,” Shumenov said after the fight. “That is my goal. I took a little while to get to Joppy because I had prepared four months to fight a southpaw.

“I can go toe-to-toe or move and box. I’m trying to learn everything to be the best, using my power and speed. He’s (head trainer Kevin Barry) the greatest. I listened to my corner. I want to fight the best – the other three world champions. I can’t be considered the best until I’ve beaten the other three champions.”

Published by Staff at Boxing Insider

SHYMKENT, Kazakhstan (January 8, 2011) – WBA/IBA Light Heavyweight Champion Beibut Shumenov (11-1, 7 KOs) successfully defended his world titles for the second time, stopping 3-time world champion William Joppy in the sixth round, tonight in front of a packed house at the Ice Mansion in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.

Joppy (39-6-2, 30 KOs) replaced WBO titlist Juergen Braehmer, who last Monday night suddenly and unexpectedly pulled out of his scheduled unification showdown against Shumenov, in the main event.

The former Kazakhstan Olympian, now fighting out of Las Vegas, floored Joppy in the fifth round with a powerful right and seconds into the sixth round, he fired a vicious left hook to Joppy’s body that resulted in him taking a knee and being 10-counted out. Shumenov joined fellow world champion Lucian Bute and former superstar Felix Trinidad as the only fighters to ever stop the game, experienced Joppy.

“I’m happy but still want to be the undisputed light heavyweight champion of the world,” Shumenov said after the fight. “That is my goal. I took a little while to get to Joppy because I had prepared four months to fight a southpaw.

“I can go toe-to-toe or move and box. I’m trying to learn everything to be the best, using my power and speed. He’s (head trainer Kevin Barry) the greatest. I listened to my corner. I want to fight the best – the other three world champions. I can’t be considered the best until I’ve beaten the other three champions.”

“Under the circumstances,” Barry noted, “I thought that Beibut’s performance was incredible. It was a fight that I didn’t like because he was fighting a last-minute replacement with a lot of excperience. Mentally and emotionally, I was concerned because he was deflated and he had to get back up in three days. He has a world-class jab. The plan was for him to throw to the body in the first few rounds and then go to the head. Everything worked out well for us.”

The show was presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions and KZ Event Productions, which is owned and operated by the Shumenov brothers, Beibut and Chingis, in Las Vegas.

In the co-feature, Uzbekistan native Ravshan Hudaynazarov (14-0, 12 KOs), rated No. 13 by the WBA, won the WBA FEDALATIN Welterweight title by 10th-round technical knockout due to a deep cut over Jose Luis “Chelin” Cruz’ right eye. A devastating body puncher, the 26-year-old Hudaynazarov dropped Cruz (41-8-2, 33 KOs) with a left hook to the liver late in the opening round, but his Mexican opponent proved to be as tough as advertised. Cruz had fought a draw with Carlos Baldomir and took Shane Mosley the full distance.

On the advice of the ring doctor, the referee stopped the fight in the 10th round, but Hudaynazarov gained invaluable experience having never before fought more than six rounds. He won every round on the three judges’ scorecards through nine in a thoroughly convincing performance.

Former Kazakhstan National Amateur Champion Alexandr Zhuravskiy (11-0, 8 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas, kept his perfect pro record intact by knocking out Ruben “Modern Day” Galvan in the sixth round to capture the WBA International Super Lightweight Championship. Zhuravskiy methodically broke-down Galvan, who had been stopped only twice in 45 previous fights, flooring him with a left and then immediately jumping on him with a 1-2 combination that ended the fight.

Unbeaten Interim PABA Light Heavyweight Gayrat Shumenov (16-0-1, 10 KOs), rated No. 65 by the WBA, successfully defended that belt and added the WBC International crown to his collection when Tursunboy Absullakimov was unable to answer the bell to start the fifth round.

Hudaynazarov, Zhuravfskiy and Ahmedov are all in the KZ Event Productions stable of fighters.

Full results from Shymkent, Kazakhstan:

LIGHT HEAVWEIGHTS:
Beibut Shumenov (11-1, 7 KOs), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA WKO6 (015) William Joppy (39-7-2, 30 KOs), Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
(Shumenov retains WBA and IBA titles)

Gayrat Ahmedov (16-0-1, 11 KOs), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA WKO4 (3:00) Tursunboy Abdullakimov (13-5 3 KOs), Dzhizak, Uzbekistan
(Ahmedov retains Interim PABA and wins WBA International title)

WELTERWEIGHTS:
Ravshan Hudaynazarov (14-0, 12 KOs), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA WTKO10 (1:22) Jose Cruz (41-8-2, 33 KOs), Santa Ana, California, USA
(Hudaynazarov wins WBA FEDALATIN title)

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS:
Alexandr Zhuravskiy (10-0, 8 KOs), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA WTKO6 (2:14) Ruben Galvan (27-15-4, 10 KOs), Hammond, Indiana, USA
(Zhuravskiy wins vacant WBA International title)