New York, NY – In what has been an unusually active summer for the sport, boxing’s busy schedule slows down a tad this weekend, but still packs a punch.
EXPECTED WAR ON ESPN
WBA light heavyweight (175) champ Beibut Shemenov (9-1, 6 KOs) is in defense of his newly acquired crown against rugged undefeated challenger Viacheslav Uzelkov (22-0, 14 KOS) over 12 rounds or less at the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, California, live, Friday night on ESPN 2 at 10 PM ET.
YOUNG BLOOD LOOKS TO KEEP IT GOING
Kicking off his career at a feverish pace, Beibut Shemenov fought five times in six months and terrorized his hapless opponents with ease. In just his sixth fight, Shemenov made an empathic statement when he convincingly beat former belt holder Montell Griffin (W UD 12). Facing descent opposition over his next two encounters, Beibut continued to impress. Despite being in a very young stage of his professional career, Beibut was surprisingly offered a crack at the WBA title for his next fight. In only his 7th scrap as a professional Shemenov’s bid for the title saw him fight valiantly against Gabriel Campillo. However, Beibut suffered his first loss (L UD 12). Many ringside observers felt Shemenov deserved the nod and public demand pushed for a rematch. Four months later, the two met again. In a highly competitive affair of skill and will, Shemenov proved to be the better fighter, albeit by way of controversy.
UNHEARD OF PUG LOOKS TO MUG
After being labeled as a tactician who wins on points against listless adversity, having blasted out 9 of his last 10, Viacheslav Uzelkov has steeped up his power game of late. During that span, Uzelkov picked up a sixth round knockout victory over his current counterpart’s nemesis Gabriel Campillo (W KO 6). Viacheslav has only scrapped one time outside of his homeland of the Ukraine; Friday will mark his first bid at a world title and his first contest on American soil.
UP AND COMERS FEATURED ON UNDERCARD
Unbeaten Puerto Rican powerhouse Rico Ramos (16-0, 9 KOs) takes on battle tested but been bested scrapper Cuauhtemoc Vargas (15-3-1, 10 KOs) in an eight round super bantamweight attraction.
Knockout artist Shawn Estrada (6-0, 6 KOS) squares off against solid banger Alex Armenta (7-1, 6 KOs) in a four round tilt.
John Signorella