Paul Jones, Author At Boxing News 24/7

Boxing Cheat Sheet: Breakdown of Hopkins-Shumenov

April 17, 2014 by Paul Jones

Beibut Shumenov, Bernard Hopkins, Hopkins vs. Shumenov - Boxing News

By Paul “Paparazzi“ Jones & Justin Jones — Washington, DC —There is a longstanding debate as to whether experience is the best teacher or whether youth trumps experience. Given the age gap between Bernard Hopkins (IBF) and Beibut Shumenov (WBA/IBA), it stands to reason that the outcome of Saturday’s Light Heavyweight Unification bout may help to explain this question.

In the sections that follow, we breakdown the Hopkins-Shumenov match-up, consider their respective strengths and weaknesses, and offer keys to victory for each fighter.¹

BERNARD “THE ALIEN” HOPKINS

OPEN MIC: Curtis “Showtime” Stevens Discusses Johnson, Quillin, Kirkland, Mayweather Jr., and More!

April 1, 2014 by Paul Jones

By Paul “Paparazzi” Jones, Photo © Paul “Paparazzi” Jones

Atlantic City, NJ — This Friday, NBCSN’s Fight Night series travels to the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia (PA) and features a heavyweight clash between Steve “USS” Cunningham (26-6, 12 KOs) and Amir “Hardcore” Mansour (20-0, 15 KOs) for the USBA Heavyweight Championship. However, the co-feature of this Main Events promoted card, pitting Curtis “Showtime” Stevens (26-4, 19 KOs) against undefeated prospect Tureano Johnson (14-0, 10 KOs), has “Fight of the Night” written all over it.

A product of Brownsville, Brooklyn, the 29-year-old Stevens has experienced his share of ups and downs since turning pro in 2004. From his early success as one-half of the “Chin Checkers,” to lackluster performances against Andre Dirrell (21-1, 14 KOs) and Jesse Brinkley (35-7, 22 KOs), Stevens has shown two qualities that often endear a fighter to his or her fan base: (1) resilience and (2) a desire to compete against boxing’s elite.

Kovalev Grinds Down Agnew; Warns Light Heavyweight Division to “Stay in Shape!”

March 30, 2014March 30, 2014 by Paul Jones

Cedric Agnew, Kovalev vs. Agnew, Sergey Kovalev - Boxing News

By Justin Jones & Paul “Paparazzi” Jones-, Photo © Paul “Paparazzi” Jones — Atlantic City, NJ — Russian WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (24-0-1, 22 KOs) continued his winning ways on Saturday night at the Boardwalk Hall (Atlantic City) by punishing previously unbeaten Cedric “L.O.W.” Agnew (26-1, 13 KOs) over seven rounds. A devastating left hook to Agnew’s gut sealed the deal in the seventh round, dropping the challenger to his knees as he winced in pain. Shortly thereafter, the referee stopped the bout when Agnew failed to beat the count.

“I hit him and hurt him with the same shot in the fourth or fifth round, so I knew he felt my punch,” said Kovalev. “I knew once I landed the left hand to the liver (in the seventh round) that he was done.”

Hopkins-Shumenov Announce Light Heavyweight Unification Bout

March 13, 2014March 12, 2014 by Paul Jones

By Paul “Paparazzi” Jones & Justin Jones: Washington, DC—IBF Light Heavyweight Champion Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins (54-6-2, 32 KOs) and WBA/IBA Champ Beibut Shumenov (14-1, 9 KOs) were in the nation’s capital this afternoon to formally announce their April 19th showdown at the DC Armory (Washington, DC). Based on their remarks made at the kick-off presser for this light heavyweight unification bout, both fighters are aware of the significance of this match-up.

At 49-years-old, an age where most late (baby) boomers are thinking more about their retirement portfolios than about trading leather with bloodthirsty opponents, the self-proclaimed “Alien” has another shot to rewrite boxing’s record books. A victory over Shumenov qualifies Hopkins as the oldest boxer in history to unify world championships.

Mike Reed’s Stock Rises in Decision Win over Mahasin

March 13, 2014March 8, 2014 by Paul Jones

By Justin Jones & Paul “Paparazzi” Jones: Fort Washington, MD – Mike “Yes Indeed” Reed (8-0, 5 KOs) of Waldorf, MD has built a loyal fan base in the DC-Maryland-Virginia metro area. However, his goal is to establish a national audience. After dominating the previously unbeaten “Rebellious” Bilal Mahasin (4-1, 0 KOs) on Friday night at Rosecroft Raceway, people across the country are beginning to take notice.

Lamont Peterson defeats Dierry Jean in Front of Home Crowd

January 26, 2014January 26, 2014 by Paul Jones

Dierry Jean, Lamont Peterson, Peterson vs. Jean - Boxing News

(Photo credit: Tom Casino/Showtime) By Justin Jones & Paul “Paparazzi” Jones: Washington, DC — There was no better way to describe Lamont Peterson’s performance last night at the DC Armory against challenger Dierry Jean other than “locked in.”

Peterson (32-2-1, 16 KOs), the reigning IBF Jr. Welterweight Champ, looked like a starved beast ready to attack as he stalked Jean (25-1, 17 KOs) from the second round on. The DC native landed thudding shots to the body, head turning left hooks, and stinging right hands en route to a unanimous decision victory in Showtime Championship Boxing’s main event (official scores were: 118-111, 116-112, and 115-113).

Although Peterson bested Jean in most of their exchanges and was the clear aggressor, Jean didn’t back down or go away easily. Indeed, Jean landed a good number of power shots of his own, and showed a sturdy chin. It was apparent, however, that Jean is not among the elite at 140 pounds.

Lamont Peterson vs. Dierry Jean: Official Weigh-in Results, Final Thoughts, and Predictions —Charlo, Rosado, Matthysse, and More!

January 25, 2014January 24, 2014 by Paul Jones

By Paul “Paparazzi” Jones & Justin Jones: Washington, DC — Official weigh-ins for the “Lamont Peterson vs. Dierry Jean” IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship clash were held this afternoon at the Marriott Renaissance hotel (Washington, DC).

Lamont Peterson (31-2-1, 16 KOs), who celebrates his 30th birthday today, weighed in at 139.5 lbs which was under the contracted 140-pound limit. Dierry Jean (25-0, 17 KOs) also made weight tipping the scales at 139 lbs.

Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (22-0, 11 KOs) and “King” Gabriel Rosado (21-7, 13 KOs, 1 NC) made the Jr. Middleweight 154-pound limit without incidence. Charlo weighed in at 153 lbs, while Rosado weighed 154 lbs.

Comprehensive weigh-in results for the televised portion of the card appear below:

“Indeed” Mike Reed Does it Again

January 18, 2014 by Paul Jones

By Justin Jones & Paul “Paparazzi” Jones, Photo © Paul “Paparazzi” Jones

Fort Washington, MD — Light Welterweight Mike “Yes Indeed” Reed (7-0, 5 KOs) of Waldorf, M.D. stopped Jorge Marquez (4-2, 2 KOs) of Phoenix in the fifth round of their featured bout on Keystone Boxing’s “Friday Night Fights” card at Rosecroft Raceway. Reed, 21, a decorated amateur with a National Golden Gloves Championship to his credit, put all of his boxing skills on display against Marquez who, prior to this match-up, had never been stopped in his professional career.

Offensively, Reed had everything working for him, alternating between fast combinations to the head and body of Marquez and powerful digs to his opponent’s midsection that appeared to befuddle the challenger in the early going.

Lamont Peterson Looks to Wreak “Havoc” on Jean

January 14, 2014 by Paul Jones

Dierry Jean, Lamont Peterson - Boxing Interviews

By Paul “Paparazzi” Jones & Justin Jones, Photo © Paul “Paparazzi” Jones

Washington, DC —January 25th marks the return of Lamont ‟Havoc” Peterson, 29, to Showtime® Championship Boxing (9:00 PM ET/PT; delayed on the West Coast). Peterson (31-2-1, 16 KOs), the reigning IBF Jr. Welterweight Champion, headlines the network’s kickoff telecast in a 12-round title bout at the DC Armory (Washington, DC) versus undefeated contender, Dierry ‟Dougy Style” Jean (25-0, 17 KOs). Jermell Charlo (22-0, 11 KOs) and Gabriel Rosado (21-7, 13 KOs, 1 NC) round out the doubleheader in a 10-round Jr. Middleweight fight.