As fans may have read, it is now official how WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew will make his first defence against long-time contender B.J Flores. Promoter Eddie Hearn is promising a “huge card” for Bellew’s hometown of Liverpool on October 15, with a number of supporting bouts to be announced in the coming says – with appearances by David Price and Rocky Fielding likely and a fight between Gary Sykes and Sean Dodd at lightweight already confirmed.
BJ Flores
BJ Flores vows he will “school” Tony Bellew “before I knock his ass clean out!”
Though the fight hasn’t been officially announced yet there has been plenty of talk over how WBC cruiserweight champ Tony Bellew will make the first defence of his belt against BJ Flores on October 15 in his native Liverpool. Eddie Hearn, Bellew’s promoter, is expected to make an official announcement regarding the Liverpool show next week some time. But Flores, at 37 knowing he will be getting what will likely be his last title shot, is already promising to both school and then knock out Bellew – a fighter he has been calling out even before “Bomber” won the WBC belt by smashing the dangerous Ilunga Makabu in May.
Beibut Shumenov decisions BJ Flores
(Photo credit: Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions) BJ Flores (30-2-1, 20 KOs) came up empty tonight in losing a 12 round unanimous decision to former WBA light heavyweight champion Beibut Shumenov (16-1, 10 KOs) in a failed bid to win the vacant WBA interim cruiserweight title at the Palms Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Flores tried hard, but he wasn’t able to cut off the ring against the fleet-footed, pot-shotting Shumenov.
The judges scored the fight 116-112, 116-112 and 116-112. The decision was a highly unpopular one with the ringside crowd, as they booed the decision loudly and shouted profanities.
BJ Flores: Time for His In-Ring Persona to Out-Shine its Commentary Counterpart
It’s been a long time coming to say the least. BJ Flores’ career, like a bottle of Royal Lochnagar, has taken twelve years to mature. On July 25th BJ will stand across the ring from Beibut Shumenov (15-2) at the MGM Grand, headlining his very own “Premier Boxing Champions” card; as opposed to his usual post of providing commentary for these events. Most fighters take to boxing color commentary after their careers are over, Flores used his burgeoning broadcasting career to help further his pugilistic dreams.