WBA Beltholder Shumenov Halts Santiago In Las Vegas

ByBoxing Press

WBA/IBA Light Heavyweight Champion Beibut Shumenov unloaded a 23-punch explosion on three-time world title challenger Danny “The Bronx Bomber” Santiago in the ninth round, when the fight was stopped by referee Tony Weeks, in lastmain night’s event that aired live on TeleFutura’s “Sólo Boxeo Tecate” from South Point Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“I didn’t count the punches,” Shumenov said after the fight, “but I could have thrown more.”

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 his third successful title fight.

“He specifically prepared for my style. I knew he was tough but not that tough. He’s durable and can take good punches. I developed a blister on my right foot in the third round that made it hard for me to maneuver. I couldn’t put my combinations together because I was uncomfortable.”

Former world light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal watched the fight from ringside. “He said he wanted to fight me in Canada,” Shumenov said after speaking with Pascal in the ring. “I said he was from Canada, I’m from Kazakhstan, so let’s fight in Las Vegas where all champions dream of fighting. Pascal, Cloud, Dawson……I’m ready for anybody!”

“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.”

Undefeated WBA Fedelatin Welterweight Champion Ravshan Hudaynazarov (15-0, 12 KOs), rated No, 9 by the WBA, successfully defended his title belt via a one-sided, unanimous 10-round decision (99-91, 99-91, 98-92) versus Hector “The Hurricane”Munoz (19-6-1, 12 KOs).

Unbeaten WBA International Light Heavyweight Champion Gayrat 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.

Hudaynazarov and Ahmedov are both members of KZ Event Productions’ stable.

Lightweight Juan Suazo (8-4-3, 5 KOs) upset local favorite Ramon Montano (17-10-2) by way of a six-round decision in a war. Exciting Las Vegas super featherweight “Lightning” Lonnie Smith(14-2-2, 10 KOs) scored a win by third-round TKO when Eduardo “Lalo” Arcos(16-5-1, 13 KOs) was unable to continue.

Hot super featherweight Joel Diaz (5-0, 4 KOs) remained unbeaten, stopping Esteban “Junglehead” Nichol (3-2, 3 KOs) in the opening round. Russian cruiserweight Medzhid Bektemirov (6-0, 5 KOs) remained undefeated but he had to go the distance for the first time as pro for a win by four-round split decision against Chad “TKO” Davis.

“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.