Beibut Shumenov Frustrated, Wants To Unify The Titles

By Phil D. Jay

WBA light-heavyweight champion Beibut Shumenov is becoming more and more frustrated in his attempts to unify the 175lb division after previously announcing to WBN that his moves to meet WBO belt holder Nathan Cleverly were ignored.

The 28 year-old from Kazakhstan has now revealed that there could be a future heavyweight bout in the offing if his requests for a unification with either WBC champion Bernard Hopkins or IBF holder Tavoris Cloud go unheard.

“I expect to be back in the early part of 2012. We are in negotiations right now. We have a couple of different options but I can't get specific right now. I sincerely hope having a chance to unify the title.” Shumenov told World Boxing News.

Asked whether he may consider a move up to cruiserweight if he is unsuccessful in unifying the belts, Shumenov replied: "I haven't given that any thought because I have too much unfinished business to take care of in the light heavyweight division. After that, who knows - maybe heavyweight? I love a challenge."

Whether there is a realistic chance for Shumenov (12-1, 8 KO’s) to challenge for another title remains unclear as Hopkins and Cloud have unfinished business with Chad Dawson and Zsolt Erdei - meaning Shumenov may be forced to make another routine defence next year.

Phil D. Jay covers boxing for worldboxingnews.net