Ex-Champ Beibut Shumenov Works Out For Media In Las Vegas

Former world champion Beibut Shumenov (15-2, 10 KOs) hosted a media workout at a private gym in Las Vegas on Tuesday as he prepares for his Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN showdown with B.J. Flores (31-1-1, 20 KOs) on Saturday, July 25 live from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with a battle of undefeated cruiserweights between Jordan Shimmell (19-0, 16 KOs) and Isiah Thomas (14-0, 6 KOs).

Here is what Shumenov had to say on Tuesday:

Beibut Shumenov:
“B.J. Flores is a good, tough cruiserweight who has a lot of good experience. I am prepared to fight with any style and against any style.I’m ready for anything in the ring and I want to make it a great fight for the fans.

On working with head trainer Ismael Salas for a second fight: “Ismael is the coach I dreamed of finding. We have a lot of similarities in our boxing backgrounds. I learned in the Soviet Union system and the Cuban system that Ismael teaches is very similar. Me and Ismael had great chemistry right away from the first day of training.

On fighting at cruiserweight: “All I thought about was making weight when I fought at 175. There was too much stress on my body to lose weight and it was also affecting me psychologically because all I thought about was losing weight.

“Now, as a cruiserweight, I have no problems making weight. There is no stress at all.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions are priced at $100.50, $75.50, $50.50, and $20.50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.