By Peter Wells
BHop vs Shumenov
Beibut Shumenov became one of many to list Bernard Hopkins in the horrible histories category losing a clear split decision – even writing ‘split’ is tough to do, being as the one scorecard was such a joke – as Hopkins became the oldest fighter to win a unification fight, adding the WBA strap to his IBF Light Heavyweight crown. Hopkins who now merits a history channel to be named after him improved to 55-6-2(32) after the one-sided victory.
Shumenov’s tactics were never going to get the job done, standing stationary on the outside, pumping out the jab from his hip, every 10 or so seconds, allowing for Hopkins to simply lead off with the jab, or counter with fast, sharp rights, dominating round after round without expending much energy at all.
Shumenov never jumped on Hopkins, never putting together combinations longer than three – and he rarely threw a three punch combination. His low hands against the accurate B-Hop also proved an unwise decision as the age-defying Hopkins, set a new record at ease. It did look as though there was a 49 year old in the ring, and it wasn’t Bernard.
Shumenov finally paid the price for standing directly in front of Hopkins in the 11th when a flash from the fast right hand landed flush from Hopkins, forcing Beibut to touch down.
While Shumenov 14-2(9) may be a world class fighter, he came unstuck at the puzzle of B-Hop like so many others before him, falling into the same wormhole and paying the price, losing his WBA title.
Sadly one “judge” didn’t tune in to the same fight as everyone else, which is far too often the case in boxing, and that one scorecard slightly marred a great achievement for the sensational B-Hop.
The official scorecards were 116-111 (twice for Hopkins) while one “judge” – Gustavo Padilla – inexplicably scored it 114-113 Shumenov. I scored it 119-109 to Hopkins.
Shawn Porter vs Paulie Malinaggi
While a victory for Shawn Porter against Paulie Malignaggi may not have been such a shock, but the manner of the win was not expected. It took just 4 rounds for Porter to spring his name onto the lips of every fight fan in the world as he demolished the world class veteran, who outside of a controversial loss to Adrien Broner, was on a career-reviving run of form.
It took Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan 11 rounds to grind out victories against the ‘Magic Man’ and a stoppage never came for Miguel Cotto, yet Porter made the victory look like Childs play.
Porter was on his toes early, as was Paulie, but in the second round it became abundantly clear that Porter could hurt Malignaggi. Left hooks and solid straight rights had Malignaggi in serious trouble, before the bell intervened to give Paulie a much needed respite.
But that 60 second rest was not enough as the same pattern ensued in the 3rd as Porter looked for the stoppage, while also boxing within himself, leaving plenty of energy, showing plenty of respect for the chin of Paulie.
Several more power punches hurt Paulie, but his amazing balance kept him from hitting the canvas. In the 4th though his balance could do nothing to save him as three sledgehammer lefts were followed by a brutal right to the temple, sending Paulie crashing to the floor. Malignaggi rose bravely but could not survive another barrage that sent him tumbling to the canvas with no control over how he fell down the ropes. The referee rightly abandoned a count, waving the contest off straight away.
Malignaggi 33-6(7) has a huge decision to make in the next few weeks, but Porter 24-0-1(15) has backed up his shock win over Devon Alexander with a tantalising destruction of Malignaggi to retain his IBF Welterweight title. The world is Porters oyster, and what a future the young man has. Exciting style, huge punching and a likeable personality, and it looks like Akron, Ohio has a new star to go alongside LeBron James.
Peter Quillin vs Lukas Konecny
In the opening televised bout, Peter ‘Kid Chocolate’ Quillin dominated Lukas Konecny to claim a unanimous decision win, retaining his WBO Middleweight title with ease.
Konecny came forward with his gloves high and head low for all 12 rounds, but while denying Quillin the chance to tee off, he negated his own offence, leaving Quillin to pick up the points, putting round after round in the bag.
Konecny had his odd moments, landing overhand rights when Quillin’s back was pressed against the ropes, but it was hardly enough to outdo the quick jabs and right hands from Quillin, who tried hard to find combinations to unlock the defence of Konecny, while keeping his own defences intact.
Quillin never had to get out of 2nd gear, and while he never produced the fireworks, ultimately it takes two to tango, and his opponent in Konecny 50-5(23) was never going to allow for Quillin to add him to his highlight reel of knockdowns.
The official scorecards read, 120-108 and 119-109 (twice) all for Quillin 31-0(22).
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