Shumenov returns from layoff, lobbies for title unification bout

Much has changed for Beibut Shumenov since he last fought 10 months ago. The WBA light heavyweight champion has switched trainers and gyms.

But some things haven't changed. Shumenov still can't get a fight against WBO champion Nathan Cleverly, and he remains the least heralded of the four recognized 175-pound champs.

Shumenov, 12-1 with eight knockouts, defends his belt for the fourth time tonight against Enrique Ornelas at the Hard Rock Hotel. But he's still baffled that he can't get a title unification fight against Cleverly, WBC champion Chad Dawson or IBF champ Tavoris Cloud.

"To be honest, I don't know," Shumenov said. "I'm not the kind of guy who goes calling out people. I try to be respectful and patient. But my goal is to unify the titles, and I hope to prove to the world with my actions."

The 28-year-old Shumenov, from Kazakhstan, hasn't fought since July 29 when he stopped Danny Santiago in the ninth round at the South Point.

In September, Shumenov parted with trainer Kevin Barry, who helped guide him to the title in 2010, and left Barry's gym in Henderson to train at Bones Adams' establishment in Las Vegas.

"We decided it was time to change," Shumenov said. "(Barry) is a great trainer, and we're still friends."

Dewey Cooper will work Shumenov's corner against the 31-year-old Ornelas (33-7, 21 KOs), a Mexican who in 2010 fought for the WBO super middleweight title, losing to Robert Steiglitz.

"I've known Dewey since I came to the United States (in 2007)," Shumenov said. "We used to train together at the Top Rank Gym. He and I work the mitts, but I basically train myself."

Shumenov said he knows his body better than anyone and can get himself ready to fight.

"I learned a lot watching other trainers and what they do, plus I look at what strength coaches do," he said. "I listen to my body, and when it tells me to stop, I stop."

Assuming he wins tonight, Shumenov plans to continue to lobby for a fight against Cleverly. He has enlisted Hall of Fame promoter Don Chargin to help make that happen.

"We've tried to get (Cleverly) to sign several times, but for whatever reason, he won't," Shumenov said. "I told him we should fight in Las Vegas, but he wants the fight in England."

Chargin said the long layoff between fights is not Shumenov's fault.

"He wanted to fight all along," Chargin said. "We were willing to fight (Jean) Pascal or Cleverly, but they wanted the fight in Canada and England, and we didn't think that was in Beibut's best interests. If things go right (tonight), we'll try to make a unification fight."

Shumenov said the layoff shouldn't impact him negatively.

"I'm ready to fight," he said. "I know Enrique Ornelas is a very good fighter, and this is probably his last chance to win a world title, so I am not underestimating him. If I want to fulfil my dream of unifying the belts, I have to win (tonight) and keep my title."

The card is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.