WBA light heavyweight champion Gabriel Campillo of Spain (19-2, 6 KOs) retained his title for the first time with a hard-fought, thrilling twelve-round unanimous decision over sensational Kazakh prospect Beibut Shumenov (8-1, 6 KOs). Shumenov, WBO #6, WBA #9 and WBC #15 175lber in the world, fighting for the major belt in his ninth fight as a pro, started the bout aggressively, throwing punches in bunches but mostly to the block of his opponent. Campillo was fighting smoothly, trying to counter the challenger from the distance and displaying savvy boxing skills in controlling the tempo. Kazakh Shumenov was visibly tired at the halfmark of the fight but dug deep to catch the second wind as the collision went on. In round nine already fatigued but yet powerful Shumenov floored the champion with a hard left to the chin. Campillo, seemingly on the brink of defeat, was able to regroup and fought back with the zeal. Championship rounds were back-and-fourth but the Spaniard solidified his position with a wicked left hook to the body that put Shumenov down early in the twelfth. At the end of the day, all three judges saw the battle in a favor of the defending titlist: 114-112, 114-112 and 114-113 for Campillo. Fightnews reporter saw it 113-113 a draw. All in all, an exciting two-way action and a strong effort by 25-year old Shumenov.
That's a real shame, but credit to Campillo, two tough away assignments he's come through now. He seems to come on strong later in the fights. Can see a rematch looking at the scoring.
I saw, Ish:-(. Didn't manage to find a stream, though. 8-1 but not done by any means- probably just a few fights too soon.
wow sounds a good fight, going to try seek out a copy. i always thought that Campillo guy could be a dark horse of the division. Shumenov will be back this will probably make him into a better fightewr and that Campillo is pretty young too i can see a good rivally happening.
I was thinking that too, Pater. Maybe Campillo has earned his respect now he has two solid wins in succession. I also didn't say above that I am very happy Shumenov didn't get an unfair home decision- are you watching Germany?
the guy has lost nothing and gained huge respect as he took a gamble but failed. He will be back. He shows up other fighter who like to pad records to the nigh to inflate there egos just look at hatton and clazaghe.
Im happy your on a downer cos I actually sat at the game and watched us get thumped!! We were terrible today we really were:-( As for Shumenov, It's come too early and he didn't have the long fight experience behind him!! It's a special feat to be fighting for a world title in your 9th fight though it really is, I see him winning the rematch if Im honest as he'll benefit massively from this exeprience!! Campillo is very tough and can punch so Shumenov must be truly world class to be close to beating someone of that calibre after only 8 fights!! Crazy..