The first
encounter between IBF Jr. Lightweight world champion Argenis Mendez and
undefeated number one contender Rances Barthelemy was nothing less than
controversial. Barthelemy knocked out
the defending champion Mendez at the end of the second round however, seemingly
after the bell. The knockout was
overturned and ruled a no contest. In
the sport of Boxing the best way for two fighters to resolve unfinished
business is in the ring.
The rematch
between Mendez and Barthelemy would take place on July 10th at the American Airlines
Arena in Miami, Florida. In the lead up
to this rematch I stated that it would not be hard to envision Barthelemy as a
significant favorite heading into this fight based on how he was able to
control the first encounter. The main story of the rematch in this observer’s
mind would be whether or not Mendez, who could not get a consistent offensive
flow going in the first fight would be able to do anything different the second
time around.
Although the
rematch in contrast to the first fight was fought at a more tactical pace, it
was Barthelemy who was forcing the action as he did in the first encounter.
Even though Mendez was able to extend the fight this time around, he just
seemed tentative and reluctant to throw punches consistently. Despite being
able to make Barthelemy miss with his punches periodically, he could not
capitalize on those opportunities to get offense off and it was not long before
Mendez would be behind on the scorecards.
There was
however, a brief cause for concern as Barthelemy would be penalized a point in
round nine and a point in round ten for low blows. It was clear however, that
the challenger was in control of this fight from the outset. Despite losing two
points and appearing as though he might have been flirting with
disqualification, Barthelemy did not alter his approach and would go on to earn
a twelve round unanimous decision and win the IBF Jr. Lightweight world
championship.
Although
Barthelemy has officially been announced as the new IBF world champion on two
occasions, unlike the first encounter, which was later ruled a no contest, this
time the result will not be changed. Even though Barthelemy lost two points in
the latter stages of this fight, possibly due to both fatigue and the defensive
manner that Argenis Mendez fought this fight, it was an impressive performance
that brought closure to a controversy.
As for the
former champion Argenis Mendez, he was simply too tentative and did not let his
hands go consistently enough in the rematch. Whether or not it was due to a
respect for Barthelemy’s punching power or possibly due to problems making
weight, which he had said prior to the rematch was a problem for him in the
first fight is a question that only he can answer.
Mendez, who
said prior to the rematch that this would be his last fight in the 130lb. Jr.
Lightweight division apparently will be moving up in weight perhaps one weight
class to the 135lb. Lightweight division. We will have to wait and see what
route Mendez will opt to take as he looks to rebound from his loss and two
difficult fights against Rances Barthelemy.
What’s next
for the new champion Rances Barthelemy? It seems logical as I said prior to the
rematch that the winner of this fight would face former world title challenger
and top contender Michael Farenas. Farenas recently stopped previously undefeated
contender Mark Davis in an IBF world title eliminator to become the mandatory
challenger for the winner of the rematch between Mendez and Barthelemy.
If a fight
with Farenas is indeed next for the new champion it offers what could be an
action-packed fight on paper as Farenas, who has won thirty-nine of forty-eight
professional fights has a career knockout percentage of nearly 65% having
scored thirty-one of his thirty-nine wins inside the distance. Barthelemy has
registered an impressive career knockout percentage himself thus far in his
career as he has scored twelve knockouts in his twenty career wins for a career
knockout percentage of nearly 58%. Both fighters like to throw punches in
volume and that could produce fireworks if a fight between the two is made.
Although the
story between Argenis Mendez and Rances Barthelemy began with a controversy,
the important thing to take away from all this is that not only did those who
regulate the sport act promptly to resolve the controversy, but in doing so
allowed both fighters a chance to settle things the way that it should be in
the ring. Rances Barthelemy brought closure to things in the rematch. For a
sport that is all too often the subject of much criticism for its flaws, this
story should be viewed as a positive for the sport. Yes a controversy did
occur, but what was more important was that those who regulate the sport showed
that they can act in a manner that will be fair to all parties and come up with
a solution that will ultimately resolve a controversy.
If nothing
else comes out of the story other than a challenger winning a world title in a
rematch, it is my hope that others who are responsible for regulating the sport
will see how things were handled in this situation and hopefully that will lead
to more just decisions in the future. In Boxing more often than not the topic
of discussions among fans and experts alike centers around what’s bad about the
sport. The actions taken by the IBF and the Minnesota Department Of Labor And Industry regarding the
controversial outcome of the first encounter between Mendez and Barthelemy should
be applauded.
“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”
The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison
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