The Kazakh native Beibut Shumenov and the Turkish born Hizni Altunkaya made weight for their fight for the vacant world cruiserweight championship of the World Boxing Association (WBA), which they will dispute this Saturday in Astana, Kazakhstan

Shumenov, former champion of the weight class, came in at 199.5 pounds while his opponent, German born but of Turkish nationality, topped the scale at 195 pounds, which leaves them both ready and able to fight for WBA world title at 200lbs.

In the case of the local fighter, he had to get away from the ring for a while because of problems in one of his eyes. In fact, Shumenov had decided to retire from boxing but after different treatments and medical opinions, he was seen fit to return to the ring and fight for the prestigious crown. The 34- year-old fighter has already been champion in two weight classes, as he managed to win the light heavyweight belt in the past.

In the case of Altunkaya, he will be fighting for his first world title but he has a good track record that has allowed him to get to this point. The 30-year-old contender has only lost one time in his career against former world champion Krzysztof Glowacki and now he will have another difficult opponent opposite the ring but he hopes to come out with his hand held high.

The president of the WBA, Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, flew to Astana to witness the important fight between both gladiators and to give his direct support to Kazakhstan in this important event.

Shumenov has a record of 17 wins, 2 losses and 11 knockouts, while Altunkaya has a record of 30 wins, 1 loss and 17 knockouts.