Bey insists he’ll make IBF title defense vs. Shafikov

Bey, the International Boxing Federation lightweight champion, recently resumed training after having surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right hand. There had been reports that Bey (21-1-1, 10 knockouts) would meet Shafikov (35-1-1, 19 KOs) on April 30 at the Palms in his first title defense. Shafikov is the mandatory challenger for Bey.

“I just got back in the gym,” Bey said Tuesday at Floyd Mayweather’s gym. “I had a legitimate medical issue and had surgery on my hand. To have made April 30 would have been pushing it.”

Bey said a report on ESPN.com that he didn’t take the fight over money wasn’t true.

“Money had nothing to do with it,” he said. “I just got cleared by the doctor a couple of weeks ago to start training again, and I just did my first sparring last week.”

Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, which promotes Bey, concurred.

“Mickey couldn’t make the 30th,” Ellerbe said. “He’s going to defend his title, and he’s not ducking anyone.”

Bey, who won the title Sept. 13 with a 12-round split decision over Miguel Vasquez at the MGM Grand Garden, said his right hand isn’t a concern.

“I can throw the right without any pain,” he said. “I’ve got flexibility in my hand again, and you’re going to see a much better fighter when I return.”

Bey said he hopes to return to the ring in June and face Shafikov.

“We’re gonna do it,” he said. “He’s my mandatory, and I’ve got no problem fighting him.”

■ ISHE RETURNS — Las Vegan Ishe Smith, a former world junior middleweight champion, will fight in the main event on the Mayweather Promotions card April 30 at the Palms against an opponent to be determined.

In his last fight Dec. 12 in San Antonio, Smith lost a 12-round unanimous decision to Erislandy Lara, the World Boxing Association junior middleweight champ.

“I had a tough loss last time, so I want to get back on track,” said Smith (26-7, 12 KOs).

■ NEVADA HOF DINNER — The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame will have its induction ceremonies Aug. 8 at Caesars Palace. The 21-member class includes Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, Marvin Hagler and Lennox Lewis.

The Hall also will have its annual pre-gala party May 1 at Caesars, with several inductees and other boxing champions expected to attend.

For more information, see www.nvbhof.com.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.