World Boxing Association (“WBA”) and International Boxing Association (“IBA”) light heavyweight World champion Beibut Shumenov returned home this week to receive one of the highest awards presented by the Republic of Kazakhstan, the “Barys (Snow Leopard) Award III.”
Normally given to political and military dignitaries, the “Barys Award” recipients are personally selected by President Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev for internationally promoting Kazak culture through, in Shumenov’s case, his accomplishments in sports.
Introduced in 1999, the “Barys Award” is presented to individuals for service in strengthening the State System and Sovereignty of the Republic of Kazakhstan, guaranteeing peace, consolidating the community and unity of the people of Kazakhstan in state, industrial, scientific, socio-cultural and public activity, and consolidating cooperation among peoples, rapprochement and inter-enrichment of national cultures.
The ceremony was held this past Wednesday at the White House of Kazakhstan, Ak-Orda, in the capital of Astana during the 20th anniversary celebration week of Kazakhstan’s independence.
“I am very humbled to receive this prestigious award,” Shumenov said. “I never dreamed of being honored like this. I would like to sincerely thank President Nazarbayev and his staff, as well as all people of Kazakhstan, most especially my family to whom I am so grateful for everything.”
Shumenov (12-1, 8 KOs), a 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian, will soon announce his next title defense and continue his quest to unify the world light heavyweight championship.
