Around the Net: Beibut Shumenov vs Vyacheslav Uzelkov Edition

Tonight at the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, California, Beibut Shumenov will be slugging it out against Vyacheslav Uzelkov in what looks like it could be one of the best FNF main-events of the year.  Though Shumemov brings a belt (gained via a highly controversial decision over Gabriel Campillo) into the 175lb battle, the edge in experience belongs to Uzekov and a quick check at the odds indicates those willing to risk a few bucks feel this one could go either way.

The fighters have one common opponent, the aforementioned Campillo, with the edge clearly going to Uzelkov, who stopped the crafty Spaniard back in September of 2007.

Let's take a look at some of the pre-fight buzz from around the net...

Fresno Bee - Kazakh boxer to defend his title

While he is proud of his WBA championship, Shumenov has his sights set on grander prizes. He would like to unify the light heavyweight division by capturing the titles held by Tavoris Cloud (International Boxing Federation), Jean Pascal (World Boxing Council) and Juergen Braehmer (World Boxing Organization). "I would like to fight for the unification. I'm ready," said Shumenov, who manages himself and self-promoted his first 10 fights before signing with Goossen Tutor in May. "If Showtime or HBO is interested in doing a competition, I think it would be very interesting and very exciting."

Boxing Scene - Uzelkov Experiences Severe Problems; Fights Anyway

In what can only be described as a "Soviet 175 lbs championship", Uzelkov won’t be assisted by his regular coach Vitaly Vdovkin and cutman Dmitry Luchnikov, who is regarded as one of the best in his profession across the former USSR. Both Luchnikov’s and Vdovkin’s visas were detained by American embassies in Moscow and Kiev respectively without any explanations even though a trainer and a cutman prepared all the papers in time. Luckily, former multi-time Ukrainian amateur champion Sergey Gorodnichev had an effective American visa and will assist Uzelkov in the corner tonight. He has already landed in America. Team Uzelkov is currently looking for a new cutman.

Visalia Times-Delta - WBA light heavyweight title on the line Friday in Lemoore

When Shumenov, who fights out of Las Vegas by way of Kazakhstan, became a pro boxer, he started out as his own manager and promoter. He controlled all aspects of his career and he set out to do things his own way, fighting the toughest competition he could find. But as Shumenov started fighting tougher competition, the strain of having to train, manage and promote for a fight became too much. So for the first time Shumenov will let Goossen-Tutor take over all other aspects of a fight and he just has to worry about his training.

Boxing Scene - Goossen’s All-In, Betting on Shumenov To Rule at 175

"Fights such as Friday night are ones that push us to the next level," said Goossen of the ESPN-televised bout. "It’s his ability, his mental toughness, and his intelligence that I’m banking on. And he’s shown all three of those in a very short professional career. I believe that Friday night he’s going to put it all together and open a lot of eyes with the fans, the media, and the networks."

15 Rounds - Shumenov Makes Maiden Defense Tonight on ESPN2

Another factor that could play into how tonight’s card plays out is the weather. The boxing action will take place outdoors in a specially constructed stadium instead of the cozy indoor bingo hall as is the norm. According to Weather.com, it will be 95º in Lemoore at the 6 PM first bell. Add in the bright ESPN2 ring lights and conditions inside the squared circle will likely be less than comfortable. By 8 PM, when the main event is scheduled to begin, the forecast predicts an 89º temperature.

Fresno Bee - Hanford boxer happy, healthy as Palace bout nears

Super middleweight boxing prospect and former Hanford resident Shawn Estrada is eager to start making up for lost time. For more than a year, the 2008 U.S. Olympian has been sidelined with a right hand injury that required surgery seven months ago. Tonight, he fights Eddie Hunter on the undercard of a seven-bout boxing show at the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino.

The Ring - Weekend Preview

Super middleweight prospect Shawn Estrada (6-0, 6 KOs) is also on the card but the 2008 U.S. Olympian, who has been inactive due to training injuries, is in very soft against Alex Armenta (7-1, 6 KOs). Don’t let Armenta’s record fool you; the L.A. native can’t fight and hasn’t fought since getting KO’d in one round by Jerson Ravelo back in 2001. This is a blowout waiting to happen. The Friday Night Fights audience will be better served with light heavyweight prospect Gayrat Ahmedov’s scheduled 10-rounder against veteran Dallas Vargas.