This weekend in Washington, D.C., fans will be treated to an action-packed tripleheader, headlined by Bernard Hopkins vs. Beibut Shumenov. The weigh-ins for the event were held on Friday, and you can find the complete results, photos, videos and quotes collection right here.
Hopkins vs. Shumenov Weigh-in Photos
Hopkins vs. Shumenov Weights
- Bernard Hopkins: 172.4 lbs
- Beibut Shumenov: 174.5 lbs
Hopkins came in lean and light, well under the division’s 175 lb limit. Shumenov is obviously the more muscular looking guy, and not to mention that he has about two decades of youth on his side. Of course, you can’t replace the amazing skill, ring IQ and experience level of Hopkins.
Hopkins started yapping at Shumenov, and definitely got into his head a bit. Shumenov started yelling back, and the two got in one another’s face. Lots of energy there, and then Hopkins bounced out and left Shumenov standing there on his own. Hopkins is the master of the mind game, and it certainly seems as if he pulled the right strings here.
- Shawn Porter: 146.75 lbs
- Paulie Malignaggi: 146.25 lbs
Malignaggi wore a pair of elephant trunk trunks to the weigh-in. Keeping things festive for sure. The two had an intense staredown, but actually a silent one. The two fighters respect one another, but each man is confident of winning. Malignaggi definitely seems fired up and ready, and Porter is in great shape as always.
- Peter Quillin: 159.8 lbs
- Lukas Konecny: 158.25 lbs
Of course, Bernard Hopkins is never shy to get on the microphone either. Here’s a sampling of what he had to say, followed by some words from Shumenov as well.
“He’s motivated to fight me, he said he’s been dreaming of this all his life. Understand one thing, be careful what you wish for.
“After this is over with, let’s pray he has the career going forward. I have a track record. There’s a whole list of names that didn’t survive the mental beat down.
“Get ready for school, student. No disrespect, its logic. I am the professor with a PhD. I’m going to take his GED learning that you need more than that to make a living.
“This is really a defense of my legacy. Belts are nice, but they’re nicer when you’re younger and establishing a foundation. My foundation was laid down years ago. You get what you put in most of the time and then you get the times where you have to fight for what you want.
“Enjoy and understand that this is history. I’m defending something bigger than a title. My legendary 20 plus year legacy, is more important than anything around my waist.
“The best in Beibut will bring out the best in me. I want him to try to win every round. I want him to do this because if he doesn’t do this, you won’t see the best of me. I’ll do what I do regardless, but I don’t want to look like the worst word in America – a bully.
“This is an opportunity for me to represent the 40 and up club that is very alive in the world. Boxing and non-boxing fans are supporting me. I go and train understanding that it’s not just for me, but for you all to enjoy what is taking place while it is taking place.
“Sometimes we take personal achievements for granted. We don’t appreciate it until you get treated the opposite way. Come April 19, you will be inspired by me. The work I’ve put in all these years has already been set. Now I’m here to let you know how I feel.”
Here’s what Shumenov said:
“You’re mistaken if you think I’m going into this as if I’m fighting a 50-year-old man.
“On Saturday night we are going to see who is taking whose belts. It’s not about money for me. I’m fighting for the honor and the glory to be acknowledged as a great fighter. I’m not thinking about future fights.
“I prepared for this fight like it’s my last. I’m a man of my word, so you’re going to see a great fight Saturday night. I want to fight the best and I am fighting the best.
“I’ve been dreaming all of my life for this moment. I’ve been ready to fight at this level for several years. I couldn’t get there on my own. This is a good opportunity for me.
“I am fighting one of the greatest ever, who beat so many other legends and great fighters. I am ready to show the world what I’m capable of. I will show the world that I am the best light heavyweight champion.”
Thanks for checking out our coverage of the Hopkins vs. Shumenov & Porter vs. Malignaggi weigh-ins, and be sure to check back with us on Saturday night, when we’ll be ringside for all of the action from the DC Armory and bringing you live coverage all evening long.
