Beibut Shumenov vs. BJ Flores:
Well it seemed like it would only be a matter of time before BJ Flores (31-1-1, 20 KO) would appear on a PBC card on one of the NBC networks. Flores has been an analyst for the network both on PBC cards and the now defunct NBC Sports Fight Night. Flores is a tremendous analyst and now he is out to prove he has something left inside the ring also. Standing in his way will be Beibut Shumenov (15-2, 10 KO) who will be facing off against Flores in a 10-round, cruiserweight fight for a vacant WBA interim title. Flores had a busy 2014 going 3-0 against sub par opponents after sitting out all of 2013. Shumenov fought twice in 2014 with his biggest fight to date being a loss to Bernard Hopkins that year. Shumenov is an orthodox fighter who likes to work the jab and he will often just leave it out there. He also has a good straight right hand, but it isn't as effective when he throws it overhand because he tends to get wild with it. Shumenov doesn't have a big left hook and if he lands a power punch it will be with his overhand right. However, he does have a bad habit and retreating straight back on defense and he keeps his left hand low, two things that can get him in trouble. Flores is also an orthodox fighter and he hasn't faced the same level of opposition that Shumenov has, instead spending most of his career fighting average fighters. At 36 years old it may be a bit too late for Flores to have a career renaissance but a win over Shumenov would be nice. Flores isn't a busy fighter and he likes to pick his spots and patiently jab away, and his jab is a nice long one. Flores also has a nice straight left hand but he doesn't use his left hook very often so he isn't really a dangerous puncher. Defensively Flores is more skilled than Shumenov but Shumenov will probably be the busier fighter. This is a very even fight that could go either way. Flores has the better jab and defense but Shumenov is much busier. This will be a fight where nearly every round will be a close one and the work rate of Shumenov will pay off and he will get the majority decision win.
Jordan Shimmell vs. Isiah Thomas: Saturday;s co-feature will showcase two fighters that no one outside of Michigan has probably ever heard of. They are Jordan Shimmell (19-0, 16 KO) who had himself a very nice amateur career as a heavyweight, and Isiah Thomas (14-0, 6 KO) who probably disappoints people all the time when he makes dinner reservations in his native Detroit. The two fighters are scheduled to go 10 rounds in the cruiserweight division and being on a PBC card on TV should be big for both of them, especially the winner should he look impressive. Neither fighter has faced any quality fighters and both have resumes littered with fighters who hold bad records, so you may actually say that each man will be facing his best opponent on Saturday night. Shimmell is an orthodox fighter with very heavy hands. He has a decent jab but all too often he decides to work behind his power punches which can be wild at times. Shimmell does show a strong right hand to the body and he also has a strong left hook. However, because of his power and bad opponents Shimmell has developed a dangerous habit of swinging away with both hands with no concern for return fire. Across the ring will be the southpaw Thomas. Thomas has quicker hands than Shimmell and a nice short right hook on the inside. Thomas also has a quality jab, although he keeps his jab hand too low, and a solid straight left hand. Another thing to take notice of is that Thomas appears lighter on his feet and more athletic than Shimmell. As long as Thomas can use his hand speed and footwork to stay on the outside and doesn't take any monster punches from Shimmell he will win this fight by the way of unanimous decision.
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