Premier Boxing Champions 2015: Fight Card and TV Schedule for July 25

From the ringside broadcast table to the ring, Premier Boxing Champions analyst B.J. Flores (31-1-1, 20 KO) will put aside his work behind the mic to step inside the ropes.

He'll fight former light heavyweight champion Beibut Shumenov (15-2, 10 KO) for the interim WBA cruiserweight title on Saturday at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas.

When: Saturday, July 25, at 9 p.m. ET

Where: Palms Casino in Las Vegas

TV: NBC

Flores has been working with PBC as an analyst for the series' NBC broadcast, but he's long been a talented fighter in his own right, as evidenced by his impressive record. Despite his in-ring success, Flores has struggled to get an opportunity to secure meaningful fights, let alone opportunities to compete for championships.

Without question, Saturday's fight is a huge one for Flores.

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Shumenov had a successful move up to cruiserweight in his last bout. In December 2014, he stopped Bobby Thomas in the fifth round of a fight scheduled for eight. The win came eight months after Shumenov was beaten by ageless wonder Bernard Hopkins for the WBA light heavyweight title via split decision.

With his days at 175 pounds firmly behind him, the 31-year-old Shumenov is ready to make a play for more gold. 

Fighter Speak

Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images

Flores' path to his first title shot is a rare one.

Normally, an athlete of his caliber—he didn't experience his first loss until he had been a pro for seven years—would have gotten a chance to fight for a title before he was 36 years old. After all, Flores has been professional since 2003, but most in the boxing community know him best for his TV work.

Early in his career, he was promoted by Don King, but King was unable to push Flores to the forefront. Finally, Flores is getting a chance to compete for one of the benchmarks of the sport.

Flores said, per Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports:

"

As an athlete, this is the stage you want to be on, fighting the best in the world and competing for the ultimate prize. I never would have guessed it would have turned out like it has and that I'd be at this stage of my career before [I got a title shot].

I'm also aware, though, that there have been great fighters throughout history who, for one reason or another, didn't get to fight for the title. So while I kind of feel like the business of boxing got me, I'm grateful that I have this opportunity and I really want to make the most of it.

"

Better late than never.

Joe Coomber/Associated Press

Shumenov didn't get started early, but he's made up for lost time. He turned professional in 2007 at the age of 24. After a distinguished amateur career that saw him represent Kazakhstan in the 2004 Olympics, Shumenov won the regular WBA light heavyweight title in 2010 in a rematch with champion Gabriel Campillo. Like Flores, Shumenov is an excellent all-around athlete. He has fast hands with decent power. 

It'll be interesting to see if he can take it to the cerebral and tough Flores.

Shumenov would love nothing more than to become a two-division champion before having his 20th professional bout.

Also on the Card…

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

Two undefeated, Michigan-based cruiserweights will square off in the top preliminary bout. Jordan Shimmell faces Isiah "The Piston" Thomas (yeah, he went there). Both men competed in the Golden Gloves and put together notable amateur careers.

Shimmell has proven to be a devastating puncher, while Thomas' pure boxing skill has led to his spotless record. This could be an entertaining appetizer for the Flores-Shumenov main event.

---

Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter