The light heavyweight unification bout between Beibut Shumenov and Juergen Braehmer is off. Braehmer has withdrawn from the fight, citing illness, less than a week before it was to take place. It is unknown at this time whether the fight will merely be pushed back a few weeks, or whether it will be canceled entirely or rescheduled for a much later point in time.
Unfortunately, this means that the 2011 boxing year is already starting to resemble the disappointing 2010 campaign, just days into the new calendar year. 2010 had been filled with fight cancellations, negotiating problems, and a string of other disappointments.
The Shumenov vs. Braehmer bout to begin 2011 was going to be a great way to get the year going. Just eight days into a new year, and two talented champions meet with both of their titles on the line, and it could have provided some nice momentum for the sport, with the Bradley vs. Alexander bout coming up at the end of the month.
However, once again, a good fight just wasn’t to be. Braehmer had to withdraw with a stomach illness that apparently others in his camp came down with as well. Stay tuned for more updates regarding potential rescheduling options or whether it’s a full cancellation.
