Shumenov: Cleverly is willing to come to Las Vegas, it’s the best option

Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor

WBA champion remains focused on unification

US-based world title holder Beibut Shumenov is not ruling any of the top fighters out as the WBA light-heavyweight champion seeks a money-spinney bout on one of America’s biggest networks in 2012.

The 28 year-old, who captured the title in just his tenth fight, has consistently expressed his desire to fight one of the other champions at 175lbs and told WBN that rival and WBO belt holder Nathan Cleverly is interested in travelling to Las Vegas for a unification.

“It doesn't really matter to me who I face. I would just love the opportunity to fight on HBO or Showtime so I will fight whoever,” Shumenov told World Boxing News.

“There is a big fight between Chad Dawson and Andre Ward happening at 168, I wouldn't drop down in weight but I would fight the winner at 175.

“Also, Frank Warren’s matchmaker has informed Mr Chargin (Don, Shumenov’s adviser) that they are willing to come to Las Vegas to fight so we will see. It will be the best option for us fighting in the boxing capital of Las Vegas for a unification.

“As I have said before, I'm open to fighting anyone in regards to Kessler, Erdei, Bute, Froch, winner of Cloud/Pascal, etc.

“I don't know what the future holds at the moment or what opportunities may arise, but what I do know is I'm ready.”

Shumenov has made four successful defences of his title already in just under two years and huge unification with Cleverly or a title defence against Bernard Hopkins, as proposed by Oscar De La Hoya to WBN earlier this year, could see the Kazakhstan fighter fulfil his wish for greater exposure in the near future.

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