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November 7, 2011 January 20, 2011 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. 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. January 9, 2011 Beibut Shumenov KO6 William Joppy - It's a disappointment that Shumenov wasn't able to attempt unification with Juergen Braehmer, but faded former titlist Joppy was able to step in as he was already scheduled to fight on the undercard. According to reports, Shumenov took care of business, battering Joppy for five rounds, before hitting him with a left hook to the body that put Joppy down for the count at the beginning of the sixth. This is likely to be the end of the line for Joppy, who hasn't won a fight since 2007. May 20, 2010
Mary Ann began her ringside career in 1998, shooting "Satin Storm," a
televised all women's fight card for the magazine "Lady Boxer." During her 12
year career, Mary Ann's photos have been seen by boxing and sports fans
throughout the world via the Internet, in magazines and newspapers. With "Extraordinary Women of The Ring" Mary Ann celebrates the thrilling and compelling sport of women's boxing with her dynamic photographs which depict the power, beauty and determination of female fighters. Some of Mary Ann Lurie Owen's photography (click to enlarge):
July 27, 2009 LAS VEGAS (July 27, 2009) – Unbeaten Kazak light heavyweight sensation Beibut Shumenov is on the verge of boxing history as he prepares for his August 15th title challenge against World Boxing Association champion Gabriel “Chico Guapo” Campillo, making his first title defense, at Palace of Sports “Kazakhstan” in Astana, Kazakhstan. The Aug. 15th show will be presented by KZ Event Productions, owned and operated by the Shumenov brothers, Beibut and Chingis, in association with Sampson Boxing, LLC. 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian Shumenov (8-0, 6 KOs), 2008 WBC Asian Boxing Council Organization’s Boxer of the Year and reigning International Boxing Association title-holder, recently relinquished his WBO Asia pacific, WBC Asian Boxing Council and PABA Interim light heavyweight title belts, The 25-year-old Beibut has been on a fast track as a professional, debuting less than two years ago and now fighting for a major world title in only his ninth pro fight, eight less than the fewest ever for a world light heavyweight champion, Michael Spinks (17). Shumenov, a native of Kazakhstan now residing and training in Las Vegas, currently is the WBA No. 9 contender. Two months ago in his hometown of Chimkent, Kazakhstan, Beibut stopped former world champion Byron Mitchell in the fourth round, continuing his ambitious schedule that also includes victories against former world champion Montell Griffin and world title challenger Epifanio Mendoza, respectively, by 12 and 10 round decisions. Former European champion Campillo (18-2, 6 KOs), a stylish southpaw from Spain, captured the WBA crown June 20, traveling to Argentina and winning a 12-round majority decision against local favorite Hugo Hernan Garay (32-3). “Our plan all along was to be aggressive and fight only quality opponents,” Chingis explained. “We didn’t want to build-up Beibut’s record against easy opponents because the window of opportunity is only open for a short time. We found that out in the 2004 Olympics when Beibut injured his hand in the second round. Anything can happen in boxing, so Beibut stepped-up to a 12-round bout in only his fourth pro fight (WKO2 against Donnell Wiggins). This will be only the second major world title fight ever held in our country (IBF cruiserweight champ Vassiliy Jirov defeated Alex Gonzales in Almaty 8 ½ years ago.). A win will make Beibut the fourth world champion from Kazakhstan (joining Jirov, WBC heavyweight Oleg Maskaev and WBO super featherweight Anatoly Alexandrov). We’re all very excited about the show.” Also scheduled to fight on the Aug. 15th card are two Team KZ members: 4-time Uzbekistan National amateur champion Gayrat Ahmedov (11-0-1, 7 KOs) versus former Eastern & Central African titlist Douglas “Daggy” Otieno (19-1, 9 KOs) in the 12-round co-feature for the PABA light heavyweight title; Uzbekistan light middleweight Ravshan Hudayaynazarov, 2007 World Military Games gold medalist, against ex-Kenyan title-holder Joseph Joseph “Mish” Miyumo (30-7-5, 17 KOs) in a 6-rounder. Former WBO light welterweight champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley (34-11, 20 KOs) continues his comeback bid against “Jessie” James Kimori (11-1, 7 KOs) in an 8-round bout Also scheduled to fight on the undercard against opponents to soon be determined are a pair of pro debuting Kazaks, super featherweight Abzal Adambaev and heavyweight Doszhan Ospanov. KZ Event Productions, Inc. Based in Las Vegas, KZ Event Productions is owned by the Shumenov brothers, world-rated light heavyweight Beibut and Chingis. KZ Event Productions is a full service, international boxing promotional company. Go to www.kzeventproductions.com for more information about the company. July 20, 2009
In only his ninth professional fight, unbeaten light heavyweight sensation Beibut Shumenov will challenge current champion Gabriel “Chico Guapo” Campillo, making the first defense of his newly won World Boxing Association title belt, August 15 in Kazakhstan. The Aug. 15th show will be presented by KZ Event Productions, owned and operated by the Shumenov brothers, Beibut and Chingis, in association with Sampson Boxing. 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian Shumenov (8-0, 6 KOs), 2008 WBC Asian Boxing Council Organization’s Boxer of the Year and reigning International Boxing Association title-holder, is currently rated No. 8 by the WBA. Two months ago in Kazakhstan, Beibut stopped former world champion Byron Mitchell in the fourth round. Shumenov has also defeated former world champion Montell Griffin and world title challenger Epifanio Mendoza by 12 and 10 round decisions, respectively, during his young pro career. Former European champion Campillo (18-2, 6 KOs), a stylish southpaw from Spain, captured the WBA crown June 20, traveling to Argentina and winning a 12-round majority decision against local favorite Hugo Hernan Garay (32-3). “I’m so excited to be fighting for the WBA World title,” Beibut said. “Fighting at home in front of my family, friends and fans makes it even more special for all of us. Campillo showed that he has the heart of a lion by going to Garay’s country and taking away his championship belt. This is a tremendous opportunity for me.” “We’d like to thank Gabriel Campillo, his team, and promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, for accepting our challenge when so many others didn’t,” Chingis noted. “We made formal challenges to all of the world light heavyweight champions, but Campillo was the only one to step-up and make it happen. We’re particularly grateful for him agreeing to make the fight in Kazakhstan.” Also scheduled to fight on the Aug. 15th card is 4-time Uzbekistan National amateur champion Gayrat Ahmedov (11-0-1, 7 KOs) versus former Eastern & Central African titlist Douglas “Daggy” Otieno (19-1, 9 KOs). Former WBO light welterweight champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley (34-11, 20 KOs) continues his comeback bid against “Jessie” James Kimori (11-1, 7 KOs) in an 8-round bout The newest member of KZ Event Productions’ growing stable of world-class fighters, undefeated Uzbekistan light middleweight Ravshan Hudoinazarov (8-0, 5 KOs), the 2007 World Military Games gold medalist, takes on ex-Kenyan champion Joseph “Mish” Miyumo (30-7-5, 17 KOs) in a 6-rounder Other significant fights of global interest are being made and will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change. KZ Event Productions, Inc. CONTACT: June 2, 2009 LAS VEGAS (June 2, 2009) – The North American television debut of light heavyweight sensation Beibut Shumenov starts tomorrow and continues this summer with airings of the taped May 9th show from Shumenov’s hometown of Chimkent, Kazakhstan. 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian Shumenov (8-0, 6 KOs), 2008 WBC Asian Boxing Council Organization’s Boxer of the Year, captured the vacant IBA World title with an impressive fourth-round stoppage of former two-time world champion Byron “Slama from Bama” Mitchell (27-5-1, 20 KOs). Shumenov also successfully defended his WBO Asia Pacific, WBC Asian Boxing Council and PABA Interim titles. Already rated No. 6 by the WBO No. 7 by the WBA, and No. 16 by the WBC, the 25-year-old Shumenov has defeated two former world champions, Mitchell and Montell Griffin, in addition to world title challenger Epifanio Mendoza. Also scheduled to air on the show promoted by KZ Event Productions, owned by Beibut and Chingis Shumenov, are former IBF light middleweight Roman “Made In Hell” Karmazin’s (39-3-1, 24 KOs) fourth-round knockout of Luis “Tyson” Augusto Dos Santos (24-16, 20 KOs); former WBO light welterweight champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley’s (34-11, 20 KOs) victory by eighth-round TKO versus former Brazilian lightweight champion Sidney Siqueira (12-4-1, 7 KOs); four-time Uzbekistan National amateur champion Gayrat Ahmedov’s (11-0-1, 7 KOs) dramatic KZ Event Productions debut, putting WBC Latino and Brazilian title-holder Luzimar “Tiger of Itacre” Gonzaga (25-5, 20 KOs) to sleep in the opening round. The first airing of the Shumenov-Mitchell show is scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday, June 3) at 11:30 PM/PT on Comcast California. A complete listing follows and more TV airings will be added to this schedule (check updated schedule at www.kzeventproductions.com).
May 9, 2009 By Leonid Yuryev (ringside) and Alexey Sukachev Sky is the limit for the Kazakh light heavyweight sensation Beibut Shumenov (8-0, 6 KOs). Moments ago at Khadjimukan Stadium, in Chimkent, Kazakhstan, Shumenov scored maybe his most impressive victory so far by stopping former two-time world champion Byron Mitchell (27-5-1, 20 KOs) in four bloody rounds. Both pugilists gave their all in three starting stanzas of the fight with no one achieving a notable advantage. However, in round four it was Beibut who started to dominate his foe with the sheer aggression and overall power. Mitchell was dropped after a powerful combo by relentless Shumenov, stood up but failed to sustain the subsequent attack of the sky-rocketing prospect, which forced his team to throw in the towel and to end the contest in the fourth round. After just eight professional fights, Shumenov, previously ranked #8 by the WBA and #9 by the WBO, had two former champions (Mitchell and Montell Griffin) to his resume and an assortment of various minor titles, including the IBA, WBO Asia Pacific, WBC ABCO belts and the interim version of the PABA light heavyweight regalia. Former IBF light middleweight champion Roman Karmazin (39-3-1, 25 KOs) decked Brazilian journeyman Luiz Augusto Dos Santos (24-16, 20 KOs) after the powerful multi-punch combination in the fourth round. Dos Santos’ cornermen immediately threw in a towel to prevent their man from the further punishment. Karmazin, who is ranked #5 by the IBF and #7 by the WBC, scored his third straight victory as a middleweight. Newly-signed Uzbek light heavyweight Gayrat “Gerry” Akhmedov (11-0-1, 7 KOs) made a sensational debut under KZ Event Productions banner, scoring a devastating first-minute kayo victory over Brazilian Luzimar Gonzaga (27-5, 21 KOs). The guest fighter was knocked out cold after a huge right hand to the chin by 30-year old Akhmedov. Former WBO light welterweight titlist DeMarcus Corley (34-11-1, 20 KOs) came back into the winning column after his eighth-round TKO over Brazilian import Sidney Siqueira (12-4-1, 7 KOs). Corley floored his foe with a huge right to the head with ten seconds remaining in the fight. Siqueira barely beat the count but the bout was stopped moments later after another huge assault by the ex-champion. Time was 2:58. May 7, 2009 May 9 vs. Mitchell in Kazakhstan LAS VEGAS (May 7, 2009) – Former two-time world champion Byron “Slama from Bama” Mitchell has replaced Alejandro “Naco” Berrio as light heavyweight sensation Beibut Shumenov’s opponent, Saturday night in the main event on an all-star card, outdoors at Khadkimukan Stadium in Shumenov’s hometown of Chimkent, Kazakhstan. Berrio had visa issues in Colombia. Saturday’s show (May 9), presented by KZ Event Productions, owned by the Shumenov brothers, Beibut and Chingis, will be taped live for later broadcasts in North America. 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian Shumenov (7-0, 5 KOs), 2008 WBC Asian Boxing Council Organization’s Boxer of the Year, is already rated No. 8 by the WBA, No. 9 by the WBO and No. 16 by the WBC. His WBO Asia Pacific, WBC Asian Boxing Council and PABA Interim titles will all be on the line, as well as the vacant IBA world crown, against present NABA USA light heavyweight champion Mitchell (27-4-1, 20 KOs). Reigning NABA USA title-holder Mitchell first captured the WBA super middleweight belt in 1999, stopping defending champion Frankie Liles in the 11th round. Byron, 1999 Ntional Golden Gloves middleweight champion, recaptured the WBA crown in 2001 via a 12th round knockout of Manny Siaca. Two successful title defenses followed against Siaca (DEC12) and Julio Cesar Green (TKO4). All four of Mitchell’s four career losses have been to world champions – Joe Calzaghe, Sven Ottke, Bruno Girard and Richard Hall. “Although we’re disappointed Beibut won’t be fighting Berrio as planned,” Chingis Shumenov said, “we’re excited that Mitchell accepted our offer to fight him in the main event. We’ve been targeting Mitchell, who is a world-class fighter that’s fought some of the biggest names in boxing.” Former IBF light middleweight Roman “Made In Hell” Karmazin will fight at home for the first time in seven years against Luis “Tyson” Augusto Dos Santos (24-15, 20 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature. Born in Russia, reigning NABF middleweight title-holder Karmazin (38-3-1, 24 KOs), rated No. 5 by the IBF and No. 10 by the WBC, was stationed in the military and later lived in Uralsk, Kazakhstan, where his son, Oleg, still resides and studies. Also fighting on Saturday’s card 4-time Uzbekistan National amateur champion Gayrat Ahmedov (10-0-1, 6 KOs), making his KZ Event Productions debut, versus WBC Latino and Brazilian title-holder Luzimar “Tiger of Itacre” Gonzaga (25-4, 20 KOs), in an 8-round light heavyweight match. Former WBO light welterweight champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley (33-11, 19 KOs) meets former Brazilian lightweight champion Sidney Siqueira (12-3-1, 7 KOs) in an 8-round bout The undercard is loaded with undefeated Uzbekistan light middleweight Ravshan Hudoinazarov (7-0. 5 KOs) vs. former Brazilian lightweight title-holder Isak “Iza” Tavares (16-6, 4 KOs), plus Chimkent hometown favorites such as light middleweight Kanat Orakbaev (2-0, 0 KOs) vs. Umid Soliev (1-1, 0 KOs) and pro-debuting heavyweight Doszhan Ospanov. All fights and fighters are subject to change. KZ Event Productions, Inc. -KZ- CONTACT: April 1, 2009 May 9 vs. Berrio in Kazakhstan LAS VEGAS (April 1, 2009) – Two of the most exciting fighters in boxing will battle May 9th when world-rated light heavyweight contender Beibut Shumenov takes on former IBF super middleweight champion Alejandro "Naco" Berrio for the vacant IBA light heavyweight championships, as well as Shumenov's WBO Asia Pacific and WBC Asian Boxing Council titles, outdoors at Khadjimukan Stadium in Shumenov's hometown of Chimkent, Kazakhstan. Shumenov-Berrio will be the 12-round main event on a card presented by KZ Event Productions, Inc., which is owned by the Shumenov brothers, Beibut and Chingis, and based in Las Vegas. 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian sensation Shumenov (7-0, 5 KOs), the 2008 WBC Asian Boxing Council Organization's Boxer of the Year, who also holds the PABA light heavyweight belt, is already rated No. 8 by the WBA, No. 9 by the WBO and No. 16 by the WBC. His most notable win was a one-sided victory by 12-round decision (120-107, 120-108, 120-108) against former WBC title-holder Montell "Ice" Griffin (50-8, 30 KOs) last August in Kazakhstan. Beibut's last action was an impressive performance in Washington last December against former world title challenger Epifanio "Diamente" Mendoza (28-6-1), who was coming off a controversial loss to former world champion Jeff Lacy, easily winning on points by scores of 100-90, 98-92 and 97-93. "All of us involved with KZ Event Productions are really looking forward to returning home to fight another world champion, Alejandro Berrio," Beibut said. "I've really enjoyed being on the promotional side but, as we get closer to a fight, I'll concentrate on training and my brother, Chingis, will handle all of the operations. "I've put myself on the fast track to fight the top light heavyweights in the world -- (Roy) Jones, (Glenn) Johnson and (Clinton) Woods, etc. We offered to fight several of these guys but they all turned us down. I want to promote and fight in the United States after the May 9 show. Maybe we can get one of the major networks involved so one of the top light heavyweights will finally agree to fight me. All I am looking for is to fight the very best and to be judged on my ability, not by the number of pro fights I've had so far. Look at whom I've beaten, not just the number. After Berrio, I'll be willing to fight anybody in the world. Line them up and I'll knock them all down." Bolivian knockout artist Berrio (28-5, 27 KOs), fighting out of Colombia, has been the distance only once in 33 pro fights, knocking out 27 of 28 victims, stopped in all five of his losses. Berrio's resume includes two victories against Robert Stiegltiz, in 2007 for the IBF super middleweight title, Syd Vanderpool and Yusaf Mack. Alejandro lost his IBF belt in 2007 to present holder Lucian Bute. "Berrio isn't coming to Kazakhstan just for a payday," Shumenov noted. "He's a very dangerous fighter but I am, too. They'll be fireworks May 9, not just to celebrate my homecoming, but in the ring with two great warriors. Berrio has fought some of the best super middleweights in the world and now he's moving up to fight me. I'm learning every time out and improving with each fight. I can't wait for May 9th." The newest member of KZ Event Productions' stable, unbeaten Uzbekistan light heavyweight prospect Gayratjon Ahmedov (10-0-1, 6 KOs), 4-time Uzbekistan national amateur champion, is scheduled to make his KZ debut on the May 9 card against an opponent to be determined. KZ Event Productions, Inc. Based in Las Vegas, KZ Event Productions is owned by the Shumenov brothers, world-rated light heavyweight Beibut and Chingis. KZ Event Productions is a full service, international boxing promotional company. Go to www.kzeventproductions.com for more information about the company. CONTACT: Bob Trieger, Full Court Press, 978.664.4482, bobtcp@hotmail.com March 26, 2009 While sceptics question his remarkable determination and desire to be matched tough, Kazakh light heavyweight prospect Beibut Shumenov (7-0, 5 KOs) shows no signs of slowing down. Next for Shumenov, who is ranked #8 by the WBA, #9 by the WBO and#16 by the WBC, is a twelve-round clash against former IBF super middleweight champion Alejandro Berrio (28-5, 27 KOs) of Columbia. The contract between two respective parties was signed yesterday. This fight will most probably be held on the open air at Khadjimukan stadium in Chimkent, Kazakhstan, on May 9; however, the exact date depends on weather condtitions and can be moved slightly in future. A vacant IBA light heavyweight title will be for grabs. Power-punching Berrio, IBF #9 ranked contender, posted two easy victories over non-descript opposition in 2008 following his spirited TKO 11 loss to Lucian Bute in November 2007. He is to become the second former world champion after Montell Griffin to collide with Shumenov in his yet short but already sound pro career. January 20, 2009 Успехи перспективного казахстанского боксера полутяжелого веса (79,4-кг) Бейбута Шуменова не остались не замеченными. Так одна из ведущих боксерских организаций WBO, в последнем рейтинге поставила Шуменова на 9 место. Напомним, что чемпионом по этой версии является венгр Жолт Эрдей. Столь высокую позицию, несмотря на малое количество проведенных боев, он заслужил благодаря двум громким победам над титулованными американцем Монтелом Гриффиным и колумбийцем Эпифанио Мендозой. В обновленном списке лучших по версий WBO опередил таких известных бойцов, как Юрий Барашьян, Элвир Мурики и Юрген Бремер. О хороших перспективах Бейбута Шуменова высказывается большинство специалистов бокса. Одним из тех, на кого казахстанец произвел весьма сильное впечатление, является знаменитый российский менеджер Влад Хрюнов. Влад Хрюнов, менеджер официального претендента на звание чемпиона мира по версии IBF в супертяжелом весе Александра Поветкина: - Сразу, что бросается в глаза это то, что Шуменов очень выносливый боксер. То есть, последний бой против Мендозы это его седьмой бой на профессиональном ринге, а он уже проводит 10 и 12-раундовые бои. Причем, бьет он сильных и крепких соперников. Тот же Ипифанио Мендоза, или же Монтелл Гриффин. Я думаю, что перспективы стать чемпионом мира у него хорошие. Другое дело в том, как его подвести к этому бою. Просто нужно посмотреть, кто является чемпионом мира по всем четырем версиям. Но к этому есть несколько путей. Во-первых, до встречи за титул я бы посоветовал бы провести еще один-два боя с сильными и известными бойцами. Например, было бы интересно посмотреть бой в Алматы Бейбут Шуменов - Антонио Тарвер. В принципе я могу посодействовать в организаций данного поединка. Ну и самое главное, нужно заключить контракт с известным промоутером, у которого есть соглашение с телевидением. Кстати, американец Антонио Тарвер, о котором говорит Влад Хрюнов, в этом рейтинг-листе занял лишь 12 место. Тем временем, по еще не подтвержденным данным, следующим соперником Бейбута Шуменова станет украинец с африканскими корнями Исмаил Силлах, в настоящее время проживающий в США. January 07, 2009 Fighter to Watch January 05, 2009 Boxing Prospect - Beibut Shumenov January 1, 2009 Обычно боксер становится мало-мальски известным, когда его бои начинают регулярно показывать по телеканалам (желательно, американским и, желательно, ведущим, но и национальное или региональное вещание также пойдет). До того о нем слышат единицы, в основном те, кто живет неподалеку, либо знаком с ним или его друзьями. Да еще иногда не в меру любопытный hardcore fan заглянет на страничку в справочнике BoxRec. Одним из первых исключений из этого правила стал венесуэлец Эдвин Валеро. Он не дрался на телевидении, его лишили лицензии в США, а среди его соперников поначалу не было ни звезд, ни даже крепких середняков. Но если ты одержишь 18 побед нокаутом подряд, каждый раз укладываясь в 3 минуты, то на тебя, так или иначе, обратят пристальное внимание. Валеро стал web-феноменом прежде чем стать звездой «мейнстрима». Похоже, что у тех, кто пристально следит за всеми новыми именами, появилась новая «игрушка». Его зовут Бейбут Шуменов, ему 25 лет, и он представляет Казахстан. Но даже на родине о Бейбуте знаю не так уж и много. А знать стоит. Победив в первых трех боях (за океаном) слабеньких оппонентов, бывший представитель олимпийской сборной Казахстана на Олимпиаде в Афинах принялся за дело всерьез. Для начала за две недели управился с известным гейткипером Доннеллом Уиггинсом (24-10-4, 14 КО) — КО 2 — и престарелым, но некогда перспективным Лэвеллом Фингером (26-2, 13 КО) — в первом же раунде. Дальше — больше. В августе в родной город Бейбута — Чимкент — пожаловал экс-чемпион мира в полутяжелом весе Монтелл Гриффин (49-7, 30 КО), некогда победивший в памятном бою самого Роя Джонса. Хотя Гриффин уже давно не тот, но проигрывает он по-прежнему лишь элите своей весовой категории. Шуменов победил Монтелла без лишнего напряга и в одну калитку: 120-107, 120-108 и 120-108. Кстати, этот бой можно увидеть на YouTube. А под конец года Бейбут в меру уверенно управился и с непростым колумбийцем-нокаутером Эпифанио Мендосой (28-6-1, 24 КО). Среди жертв Мендосы имеются и известные имена — небитые проспекты Токунбо Оладжиде и Рубин Уильямс, а в последнем поединке латиноамериканец едва не огорчил Джеффа Лейси. Казахский же боец оказался слишком твердым орешком и победил: 100-90, 98-92 и 97-93. - Бейбут, ваше имя широко известно лишь среди «хардкорных» Интернет-фанатов, но и они мало что о вас знают. Это и неудивительно, ведь в профессионалах вы выступаете всего лишь год. Расскажите о своей карьере подробнее. - В любителях я был чемпионом Азии в 2004-м году на Филиппинах. Также на моем счету серебряная медаль первых Афро-Азиатских Игр 2003-го года в Индии. Еще я участвовал в Олимпийских Играх 2004-го года. Начал я неплохо, с победы над известным ныне профессионалом Алексеем Куземским (16-0, 3 КО) из Польши: 34-22. Но в том бою случилась неприятность — я сломал руку. Поэтому в следующем поединке был не в лучших кондициях и проиграл турку Йилсану Йилдырима Тархану: 19-27. - А с кем из нынешних лидеров полутяжелого веса и окрестных категорий вам доводилось встречаться? - Дважды дрался с очень известным боксером-любителем Уткирбеком Хайдаровым из Узбекистана (Золотой (1999), серебряный (2001) и бронзовый (2003) призер чемпионатов мира, бронзовый призер Олимпиады в Афинах). В 2003-м уступил ему по очкам в Баку, а через два года — тоже по очкам — переиграл его в Сербии. Побеждал я и чемпиона мира и Азии (2005) Ердоса Джаннабергенова. Еще дважды бился с Али Исмаиловым, и оба раза (2003) побеждал: один раз по очкам, а один раз — нокаутом. - Последние значимые любительские бои вы провели в 2005-м году, а в профи дебютировали 17-го ноября 2007-года. Чем занимались почти три года? - Я немного разочаровался в боксе из-за перелома руки. Решил попробовать себя в бизнесе — небезуспешно. - Расскажите о своих первых боях в США. - Дебютировал 17-го числа против некоего Уолтера Эдвардса. Паренек оказался совсем слаб. Я дважды отправлял его на настил, прежде чем рефери остановил поединок. - Кто является вашим менеджером, кто — промоутером? Планируете ли вы перейти под крыло какой-нибудь крупной промоутерской компании? - Я сам себе «мальчик». То есть я занимаюсь и собственным менеджментом и организацией своих боев. А еще у меня имеется собственная промоутерская компания KZ Event Productions, и я планирую расширение бизнеса и промоушен собственных боев, а также работу с другими боксерами. - Трижды вы дрались за океаном, но затем вернулись обратно в Казахстан. Почему? - Дело в том, что даже после трех побед мне не разрешали драться более 6-ти раундов. Но я чувствовал свою силу; был уверен, что мне не помешают и 10-ти, а, может быть, и 12-раундовые поединки. Поэтому я и вернулся домой. - И, тем не менее, вам удалось «отхватить» такого сильного боксера как Монтелл Гриффин. Каким образом? - У меня наработались некоторые связи за океаном, особенно среди матчмейкеров и промоутеров. Они и помогли мне выйти на команду Гриффина. - Вы мощно начали поединок, несколько раз крепко приложив экс-чемпиона мира в первом же раунде. Но, хотя вы и доминировали на протяжении всего боя, победить Гриффина нокаутом вам не удалось. Что помешало? - Ну, Гриффин же не паренек из местной спортсекции. Боксер маститый, опытный; мне же просто опыта не хватило его остановить. Но я вынес из этого поединка немало полезного для себя, подправил технику и исправил ошибки. - Расскажите о своей последней схватке против Эпифанио Мендосы. - Бой прошел полностью под моим контролем. Моя тактика сработала, как я и планировал, и сомнений относительно исхода этого поединка у меня не было никаких. Мендоса же крепкий парень, который удивил меня крепостью своей челюсти. - Фаны и некоторые эксперты удивлены той авантюрной стратегией подбора оппонентов, которую вы используете. Не слишком ли спешите? - Я еще не достиг предела своего мастерства, и с каждым боем уровень моего бокса постепенно повышается. Я не просто так выбрал Гриффина и Мендосу — я был готов к ним и доказал это в ринге. Я готов драться с лучшими из лучших полутяжей планеты. - Хотя никто не сомневается в вашей выучке и технической подготовке, складывается впечатление, что вы полагаетесь почти только на агрессивность и напор в ринге. Да и с защитой, кажется, не все гладко. Или вы так не считаете? - Я учусь и продолжаю совершенствоваться. Но я, к слову, не согласен с вами. Я видел все удары своих оппонентов, блокировал или уходил от них в сторону. Да, промахивался, но до совершенства мне еще далеко. - Что в ближайшей перспективе? Когда мы вас вновь увидим на ринге? - Следующий турнир планирую организовать в феврале 2009-го года в США, но пока не знаю где. - Каковы более отдаленные планы? Собираетесь побороться за титул чемпиона мира? - Да, есть такое желание. Хотелось бы осуществить его в конце 2009-го или в начале 2010-го годов. - Не хотите ли вы продемонстрировать свои таланты на телевидении? Скажем, на ESPN2 или Shobox: The New Generation? - Нет, такого желания пока нет. Я считаю, что я еще не достиг такого уровня мастерства, чтобы драться на телевидении. Я бы хотел выглядеть законченным продуктом, когда меня покажут по телевидению. - Расскажите о KZ Event Productions и о роли своего брата Чингиза. - Мы создали эту компанию, чтобы я не дрался под чужим менеджментом и промоушеном. Я хочу сам управлять своей судьбой и помогать талантливым проспектам. - Каково ваше мнение о других талантах-профессионалах из Казахстана, например, Семене Упорове или Виталии Демьяненко? - Очень талантливые ребята, которые уже на хорошем счету в мире бокса. Надеюсь, они чего-то добьются, и, чем черт не шутит, может, мы увидим их в звании чемпионов мира. Вообще, в Казахстане полно талантливой молодежи, но не хватает тех, кто бы мог ее вырасти. Бокс, к сожалению, не очень популярен сейчас у меня на родине. Кстати, вы забыли про Геннадия Головкина. Гена — настоящий феномен. Уверен, он уже готов к бою за титул. - Ваши пожелания читателям? - Спасибо за внимание и интерес к моей персоне. Веселых каникул всем, счастья, мира и благополучия в Новом Году! December 30, 2008 Former Kazakhstan Olympian Beibut Shumenov (7-0, 5 KOs), fresh off of his impressive 10-round decision victory against Columbian knockout artist Epifanio "Diamente" Mendoza (28-6-1, 24 KOs), arguably is the most ambitious, fastest-rising prospect in boxing. Shumenov, 25, was recently named the WBC Asian Boxing Council Organization's 2008 Boxer of the Year. Beibut headlined against Mendoza in his new promotional company's (KZ Event Productions) U.S. debut December 13th in Bellevue, Washington. "I'm enjoying boxing but it's more of a hobby than career for me," Shumenov explained. "I see myself going another route in the future. I want to challenge myself mentally, as a promoter, like I have physically as a boxer. I plan to expand my boxing company, KZ Event Productions, Inc., and promote boxing as a businessman. I enjoy organizing fights and building my own career." In his previous two fights, Mendoza lost to former world champion Jeff Lacy by controversial decision, as well as to Chad Dawson for the WBC light heavyweight title. Beibut easily handled the veteran Mendoza, who was a late replacement for former world champion Kelvin Davis, by scores of 100-90, 98-92 and 97-93. "When Davis pulled out of the fight only a few days before the show," Shumenov said, "I was ready to cancel the show rather than fight just any opponent. I was offered a 5-0 guy with three knockouts. No offense to him but I'd already beaten Montell Griffin, (Lavell) Finger, (Donnell) Wiggins and (Shannon) Miller. I didn't want to go backwards. I was either going to fight somebody with a good record, well-known name or title, or I wasn't going to fight at all. As soon as I realized that Mendoza had just fought Lacy and Dawson, I accepted the fight, and I want to thank Mendoza for taking the fight on such short notice. He's a tough guy who came to win. "I haven't reached my limit in terms of mastering my skills, but I am ready now to fight any of the top light heavyweights in the world such as Joe Calzaghe, Bernard Hopkins, Chad Dawson, Zsolt Erdie, Roy Jones, Jr., Julio Cesar Gonzalez, Hugo Garay or Andrian Diaconu. I am working hard to improve my mastership and, when I reach the highest levels of my skills, I'd like to demonstrate it against all of the world's best fighters." Already rated No. 15 by the WBO, Shumenov was highly-touted in the 2004 Olympics, winning his opening bout against Polish representative Aleksy Kuziemsky (presently 16-0 as a pro prospect), 37-22. But hampered by a hand injury, Beibut was defeated in the round of 16 by Turkey's Ihsan Yildorim Tarham, 27-19, in the same light heavyweight division in which Andre Ward won a gold medal for the United States. There's no slowing down the confident Beibut, who is like an old-time fighter who doesn't want easy opponents to build-up his record. His fourth pro fight was a scheduled 12-round title fight against Wiggins. In his seventh bout Beibut looked very good against a much more experienced, former world title challenger Mendoza. Shumenov just wants to fight the best and position himself for a world title shot in late 2009 or early 2010. The KZ Event Productions website (www.kzeventproductions.com) with soon be launched with additional information about Beibut Shumenov and his new promotional company. December 29, 2008 It's not a common turn of events, when a fighter starts to create a considerable buzz over his accomplishments around the Internet before he actually got on regional or national TV. The most known example of this kind is a record-breaking KO terror Edwin Valero, who snatched eighteen consecutive first-round kayos, which were seen around the world mostly via the web. He is 25, represents Kazakhstan, was an amateur standout, and that's possibly all even hardcore fans know about him. And why bother? The answer is in his record, which lists seven consecutive wins with five KOs against an overall record of opposition equal to 150-65-13 (103-15-1 in his last three fights). After scoring three easy stoppages over non-descript foes he promptly kayoed two notable veterans in Donnell Wiggins (24-10-4) and Lavell Finger (26-2), then shut out former WBC light heavyweight champion and Roy Jones' conqueror Montell Griffin (49-7) over twelve pretty one-sided rounds (video) and closing this year, outpointed durable knockout artist Epifanio Mendoza (28-6-1) over ten hard-fought rounds of action. Definitely, it's a sky-rocketing type of career start for a man, who was named 2008 WBC Asian Boxing Council Fighter of the Year ahead such talented prospects as Saddam Kietyoungyuth. To know more about Beibut this reporter contacted Shumenov in his Las Vegas office. Q: Beibut, you started your pro career only a year and a month ago. Given that, it's not that surprising, Shumenov isn't a brand name among casual fans and experts alike. An internet hardcore boxing junkie is quite a different story; though he knows little about you as well. Please, tell us more about you first steps in boxing and about your amateur career a bit. As an amateur, I was a champion of Asia in 2004, in Philippines. I also won a silver medal in the 1-st Afro-Asian Games in 2003, in India. I participated in 2004 Olympics, in Athens, Greece. During the fight with Aleksy Kuziemski, who is the EBA (European Boxing Association) light heavyweight champion and WBO Inter-Continental beltholder nowadays, I had my hand broken. I won that time, but in the following fight versus Ihsan Yildirim Tarhan I used only one hand and the luck wasn't on my side after that. Q: Fighting in the amateur ranks, you met many of today's light heavyweight, cruiserweight or super middleweight stalwarts. Bring us some names and results in your mutual amateur encounters. I fought with former world champion and Olympic bronze medalist Utkirbek Haydarov twice. The first time I lost him on points in Baku, 2003. The next fight, it was in Serbia 2005, I got a decision. I also won my fight against 2005 Asian and world champion Erdos Dzhanabergenov. I met Ali Ismailov twice (WBO #11 cruiserweight). The first time I stopped him during the world championship in 2003 by TKO, and the second time I won on points in the international tournament in Pakistan, 2003. Q: You have fought your last amateur bout in 2004. Your official pro debut is dated by the 17th of November, 2007. What have you been doing for almost three years? Was that kind of hiatus a crucial one or it was just a creative vacation? I was a little bit disappointed in boxing after the broken hand in the Athens Olympics and decided to take a break and start my professional career as a businessman. Q: Tell us more about your first fights in USA. On November 17, 2007, I was fighting with Walter Edwards in Wilson, NC. The fight was very easy and before the referee stopped it, I knocked that guy down twice. Q: Who is your manager and who is your promoter right now? Do you plan a transition under more sound promotional brands in the near future? I am self-managed and self-promoted. From the beginning of my pro career I arranged all of my fights myself and never had any other managers or promoters. I have my own company KZ Event Productions, Inc. and plan to enlarge my business by promoting myself and other talented fighters. Q: You fought three times overseas and then there was a string of three consecutive fights in Kazakhstan. What was the reason for coming back home? After my three fights in America, I was not allowed to fight more than six rounds, and I felt that I am ready to last 10-12 rounds at least with top-echelon fighters in my weight division. That's why the following three bouts were organized in Kazakhstan. Q: How were you able to get such a stellar opponent in Montell Griffin in your sixth pro fight, considering you were fighting in Kazakhstan? I have some connections with matchmakers and promoters in the USA who helped me to contact Montell Griffin's team. Q: You started aggressively, rocking Griffin several times in the very first round, and continued to dominate over the course of the fight. Why didn't you stop the former champion? Montell Griffin is a very mature and professional boxer and I didn't have enough experience to stop him. That fight was good for me and I learned a lot, fixed some of my mistakes, and improved my skills since then. Q: Tell us more about your fight with Epifanio Mendoza. I dominated and controlled the whole match. My tactics worked as I planned and I had no doubt that I would win the fight. Epifanio Mendoza is a tough fighter and amazed me with his good chin. Q: Boxing fans and experts are quite amazed with the aggressiveness of your matchmaking. Don't you feel you are moving along a bit too fast? I haven't reached the limit in mastering my skills yet, and I am always trying to improve my mastership and reach the highest level possible. When I chose to fight Montell Griffin and Epifanio Mendoza, I was prepared to beat them. I feel that I am ready to fight the boxers from the top list of the light heavyweight division. Q: It seemed so that though your technical skills can hardly be underestimated, you are relying more on your aggressiveness and power punching in the ring. Why so and don't you feel that your defense is worth of polishing? With every bout I am learning and fixing my mistakes. I disagree with your comment about weakness of my defense; I saw every attempt of my opponent's thrown punches, blocked and got away from them. I missed several punches, but nobody is perfect. Q: What are you plans for the immediate future? When shall we see you in the ring next? I'm working on my next event that will take place in February, 2009. Q: What are your plans in boxing? Are you planning to win a world title and when? I'm planning to fight for the world title at the end of 2009 or at the beginning of 2010. Q: Don't you think about a possible move towards cable TV networks and fighting, say, on ESPN or Shobox: The New Generation? I don't want to be showcased on TV very much because I see my skills might be improved and I haven't reached everything I am able for. Q: Tell us more about your company KZ Event Productions and its activities? What is the role of your brother Chingis Shumenov? KZ Event Productions, Inc. was organized by my brother and me because I don't want to fight under other promotional companies or somebody else's management. I would like to make decisions on my own about myself and helping other talented boxers to grow. Q: What is your take on your countrymen such as Vitaly Demyanenko or Semen Uporov? What do you think about their perspectives and what do you think of the current state of pro boxing in Kazakhstan? Vitaly Demyanenko and Semen Uporov are promising fighters and rate high in the prestige boxing organizations. I hope, they will reach everything they want for themselves, and maybe one day, we'll see them as world champions. There are a lot of talented boxers in Kazakhstan, but, unfortunately, we don't have enough specialists in that field to help them to grow. Pro boxing is not very popular in our country yet. You didn't mention one more boxer, Gennady Golovkin. I think he is a very talented and phenomenal fighter, who is already prepared to win the world title. Q: What is your opinion about 2008 Beijing gold medalist Bakhyt Sarsekbayev? Rumors are widespread he is turning pro pretty soon. Will it not be under your promotion? I've known Bakhyt Sarsekbayev for a long time. I respect him as a very good fighter and will help him with anything he needs. As for Bakhyt's performance during 2008 Olympics, it was amazing. He was great, and if he goes pro, he has everything to win the world title. Q: Your final thought and words for our readers? Thank you for your support and interest in my career. I wish everybody Happy Holidays, peace, joy and prosperity in the New Year! December 21, 2008 If you are reading this site from outside Asia, then you may be wondering who is the boxer tipped by the powers-that-be in the region to achieve great things. In fact, even those inside Asia are Googling Khazak light-heavyweight Beibut Shumenov and searching for online videos to see just what the fuss is all about. Busy Shumenov has just been voted the WBC Asian Boxing Council's Boxer of 2008 after six fights inside 12 months to up his fledgling tally to 7-0 (5 KOs) including a shutout points win over veteran Montell Griffin for the ABCO belt in Khazakstan. That rapid rise through the ranks – which has also been tagged with regional WBO and WBA belts – has put 25-year-old Shumenov in the shop window as he targets the top tier of a division haunted by faded big names wringing every last cent out of their careers. While Bernard Hopkins, Antonio Tarver, Roy Jones Jnr and Joe Calzaghe refuse to go away nicely and play with the millions they have earned, the hope is men like Shumenov, Chad Dawson and Tavoris Cloud will soon end the never-ending sequels in the light-heavyweight zombie movie franchise. At the very least, Calzaghe will hopefully be shopping for a new armchair and slippers to keep his "perfect'' record intact along with the lengthy WBO farcical reign in the solitary history book in his reading room. 2004 Olympian Shumenov is undoubtedly part of a new breed, although he is probably still something of a mystery to fans not hooked up to Khazakstan's television network. There have also been outings in the USA so Shumenov – who splits his time between Las Vegas and his home country - may not be a secret for much longer. Cynical readers may rightly ask why we are taking ABCO's recommendation so seriously. In this part of the world, the WBC's Asian word carries a lot of weight and has a lot more clout than many of the local commissions it works with. Although its headquarters are in Thailand, ABCO has made tentative steps in central Asia as well as covering boxing backwaters like Malaysia, Cambodia and Nepal. It is also gaining a foothold in China, which could prove to be a huge market in the near future. It is possible to wonder why Shumenov is the biggest prospect in Asia (I'm sure my old geography teacher would have had something to say about that), but ABCO's verdict doesn't include rising stars from Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia, who officially fall under the WBC's Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation. ABCO also named German Titov as their promoter of the year and Titov operates in Khazakstan, signally a real shift in their base of operations away from the traditional Thai scene. The rest of the awards list revealed at the Asia Hotel in Bangkok by WBC Asia president and WBC vice-president Pol. Gen. Kovid Bhakdibhumi was weighted, as expected, towards Thailand. WBC number five ranked featherweight Chonlatarn Or Piriyapinyo was announced as "the outstanding fighter of the year" after boxing five times with two sanctioning fee-generating defences of his ABCO belt. Chonlatarn is 27-0 but this year has really been a write-off with a succession of meaningless matches while he waits for a title shot. And with this being the WBC there had to be another sub-category in a seemingly clear-cut category so lightweight champion Saddam Kietyongyuth picked up the "honorary fighter of the year" award, whatever that means. Perhaps next year there will be an "interim fighter of the year'' or "fighter of the year in recess". Would anyone really be surprised? Former WBC female atomweight champion Winyu Paradorngym was selected as the "female fighter of the year." That may be scant comfort for the 102lb Thai after she was robbed of her WBC belt after being knocked out by a blatant clash of heads with Japan's Momo Koseki in Tokyo in August. Thai promoters Suchart Pisitwuttinan, Pariyakorn Ratanasuban, Naris Singwangcha, Kokiet Panichyarom, Pramook Rojanaphan were honoured and Saddam's promoter Daniel Potter was named as "the honorary promoter of the year." But the real (absent) star of the show was Shumenov and his top spot from ABCO. Fans in Thailand are getting excited about Saddam but Shumenov is another hot prospect who will be exciting to follow. While many people still unfairly link Khazakstan with the comedy antics of character Borat, Shumenov may be able to use his fists to win back some well-deserved respect for his home country. The old boy network in the light-heavyweight division might also have to start looking over their shoulders in the near future. December 21, 2008 Central Asia's top promoter German Titov and Kazakhstan fighter Beibut Shumenov took out the major honour awards at the WBC Asian Boxing Council Conference held 16 December at the Asia Hotel in Bangkok. WBC Asia President and WBC Vice-President Pol. Gen. Kovid Bhakdibhumi awarded the "promoter of the year 2008" to Titov and the "boxer of the year 2008" to Shumetov. WBC (#5 ranked) featherweight Chonlatarn Or Piriyapinyo was announced "the outstanding fighter of the year" while lightweight champion Saddam Kietyongyuth picked up the "honorary fighter of the year" award. Former WBC female atomweight champion Winyu Paradorngym was selected as the" female fighter of the year." As well, Suchart Pisitwuttinan, Pariyakorn Ratanasuban, Naris Singhawungcha, Kokiet Panichyarom, Pramook Rojanaphan and Daniel Potter were named as "the honorary promoter of the year." Light heavyweight champion Shumenov defended his regional titles twice, including an impressive victory over the former WBC 175lb champion Montell Griffin. He is now recognized as the best light heavyweight boxer in the greater Asia region. December 16, 2008 Light heavyweight sensation Beibut Shumenov (7-0, 5 KOs) earned a unanimous decision over Epifanio Mendoza (28-6-1, 24 KOs) Saturday night in Bellevue, Washington. Scores were 110-90, 98-92 and 97-93. In the co-feature, Demarcus Corley (32-10-1, 18 KOs) rebounded from a six-fight losing streak with a first-round knockout of Donnell Logan (11-18-2). |
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"Extraordinary Women of The Ring", written by veteran ring side
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