Rances Barthelemy Defeats Argenis Mendez Convincingly, What’s Next?

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.”

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Alvarez-Lara: A Classic In The Making?

From time to time something that I am asked by both the hardcore Boxing enthusiast and as well as the casual fan is for my opinion on what makes a legitimate star in the sport.  There is no simple answer to that question as there are many aspects in the development and promotion of a fighter that has to be taken into consideration. If however, someone would ask for my opinion on what I felt would make a rising star into a legitimate live gate and pay-per-view attraction, I could probably answer that question in a more simple way.

Of course, if a fighter has a crowd pleasing style it will obviously generate interest from both fans and experts alike, but that is only one aspect of the equation in my opinion.  In this day and age where more often than not Boxing’s top stars are showcased live on pay-per-view television almost exclusively, one thing that I take into consideration is what can make a fighter into a legitimate star of the sport is their willingness to take on all comers.

In the case of former Jr. Middleweight world champion Saul Alvarez, he has all the ingredients that make a star. An entertaining crowd pleasing style, a significant fan following and a willingness to take risks as he faces the best of the best. Such will be the case when the former world champion faces top Jr. Middleweight contender Erislandy Lara on Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Alvarez, who last fought in March of this year scoring an impressive tenth round stoppage of the always “Game” Alfredo Angulo will be fighting for the second time since suffering his lone defeat in September of last year to Floyd Mayweather. Sometimes it is not uncommon to see fighters who suffer their first defeat begin the rebuilding process by taking on opponents who are perhaps not well-known and who are not considered to be dangerous. There are however, times were a fighter who suffers a loss will opt to take on the toughest competition available coming off of that loss.

In the case of Saul Alvarez, it is important to remember that his lone defeat came against a fighter who is widely considered the best pound for pound fighter in the world. Despite losing that fight, Alvarez was able to have his moments and held his own. It did not surprise me to see him take on a dangerous opponent in the form of Alfredo Angulo in his first fight following his loss against Mayweather. Alvarez dominated the fight against Angulo and solidified his status as one of the cornerstones of the Jr. Middleweight division.

Alvarez showing again that he is willing to take on all comers will face another dangerous obstacle when he faces Erislandy Lara. Lara, a slick southpaw boxer/puncher is the kind of fighter who could potentially give Alvarez trouble. Many will remember Lara being on the losing end of a controversial decision against former Welterweight world champion Paul Williams in July 2011, in a fight where many observers, this one included felt he had won convincingly. The loss to Williams is the only loss Lara has suffered thus far in his career. Lara has the ability to be elusive, time his opponents with counter punches, as well as end fights quickly as he did against Ronald Hearns in April 2012.

One could make the argument that Lara’s craft and skill has resulted in him being avoided by some fighters. Lara is after all highly skilled and it is understandable based on his attributes that he may be viewed as a high risk/low reward option for fighters who are considered marquee draws. Lara however, has more than earned his chance to showcase his skills on Boxing’s marquee stage after compiling a professional record of 19-1-2, with 12 Knockouts and earning interim/regular status in the World Boxing Association's (WBA) Jr. Middleweight ratings.

Among his nineteen wins, Lara also holds two victories over recent opponents of Saul Alvarez in scoring a twelve round unanimous decision over Austin Trout last December and surviving two knockdowns to stop the aforementioned Alfredo Angulo in ten rounds in June of last year. Although there might be some who would say that this is a high risk/low reward scenario for Saul Alvarez, fighters who become legitimate stars and more specifically significant pay-per-view draws should take risks to solidify their standing.

Stylistically, this fight is one of those fights where you can see an argument for either fighter winning the fight. Both fighters can box, have the ability to be compact with their offense, are excellent counter punchers, and have the ability to end a fight quickly. It will be interesting to see who takes the initiative from the opening bell. Although one could likely assume a tactical Boxing match early on, I believe that this fight could have a little of everything.

Even though one could make a valid argument for either fighter having the edge heading into this fight, I believe that the ingredients are there for what just might be a classic encounter. The type of encounter that could be a topic of discussion for Boxing fans for years to come. In my view this fight is a risk for both fighters and frankly a toss up as to who will win. 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

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Will Mendez-Barthelemy Rematch Bring Closure To Controversy?

The year 2014 in the sport of Boxing began on January 3rd when IBF Jr. Lightweight world champion Argenis Mendez stepped into the ring to face undefeated number one contender Rances Barthelemy at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Barthelemy’s strength and punching power dictated the action from the opening bell and it appeared as though the champion had no answer for Barthelemy.

Mendez would be dropped twice in the second round, the second of the two knockdowns would cause the fight’s conclusion. Barthelemy knocked Mendez down at the end of the round and the champion was subsequently counted out by Referee Pete Podgorski. What appeared to some as a clear knockout for Rances Barthelemy however, would be overshadowed by controversy.

The controversy that emerged was that the bell to end the second round rang twice, each with a single ding about a second apart. The champion Mendez was not knocked to the canvas until after the bell rang for the second time. This ultimately led to the Minnesota Department Of Labor And Industry to rule the bout a no contest with the International Boxing Federation (IBF) reinstating Mendez as it’s Jr. Lightweight world champion.

Some readers may recall my coverage of this fight back in January when I said it was my hope that the controversy would be resolved as quickly as possible. In a sport where criticisms of those who regulate the sport is all too common, both the commission that oversaw this fight, the Minnesota Department Of Labor And Industry as well as the sanctioning organization, the IBF who’s Jr. Lightweight world title was at stake should both be commended for taking appropriate action in this matter.

This observer however, also stated that the fairest recourse for all involved in my mind would be for the IBF to mandate an immediate rematch between Mendez and Barthelemy. That rematch will take place on July 10th at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida.

Normally when there are circumstances that call for an immediate rematch, more often than not the reasoning is likely centered around elements of the scoring of a fight. Obviously, this rematch is different in that some were of the opinion that Barthelemy was on his way to a convincing victory over Mendez regardless of the circumstances of the controversy that emerged.

Barthelemy did control the action when the two men last saw each other in the ring. It would certainly not be hard to see most viewing Barthelemy as a significant favorite as this rematch approaches based on how the first fight was fought. It will be interesting to see whether Barthelemy will be able to control this fight from the outset as he did in the first encounter, or if Mendez will be able to rebound from the knockout.

The winner of this fight will likely face former world title challenger Michael Farenas, who scored an eight round stoppage over previously undefeated Mark Davis last week in an IBF world title elimination bout. Before Farenas can get his shot at the title however, Mendez and Barthelemy will meet to settle unfinished business.

It goes without saying that sometimes in the sport of Boxing what is logical and what can be viewed as a fair solution to a controversy does not always take place. In this case, both Argenis Mendez and Rances Barthelemy have an opportunity to bring an end to a controversy. Will the rematch bring closure to this controversy? We will find out on July 10th.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

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Terence Crawford’s Star Continues To Rise

One of the appeals of the sport of Boxing is that it is always a sport where both fan and expert alike are on a consistent search for the next big star of the sport. A star that has been on the rise in recent times is that of undefeated WBO Lightweight world champion Terence Crawford. Crawford, compiled a record of 22-0, with 17 Knockouts prior to challenging two-division world champion Ricky Burns in March of this year for Burns’ WBO Lightweight world title.

Crawford, who was seen by some to be an underdog against the more experienced Burns outworked and out boxed the champion in Burns’ home country of Scotland to earn his first world title in a convincing twelve round unanimous decision. What was particularly impressive about Crawford’s performance in that fight was how he consistently beat Burns to the punch with his hand speed and did not allow the champion to get off consistently with his offense.

After what was an impressive performance by Crawford, the newly crowned champion would make the first defense of his world title against former Olympic gold medalist and former Featherweight world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa on June 28th at the Centurylink Center in Crawford’s hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. A concern that some might have when a champion prepares to defend a world championship in their hometown is a potential for distractions. Crawford however, was very confident leading up to this fight and was very focused.

Under circumstances where some fighters have not performed well defending world championships in their hometown, Crawford would not only defend his title, but would do so against a fighter in Yuriorkis Gamboa who is highly skilled and has been considered one of the best fighters in the world. Quite frankly, Gamboa, who walked into this fight with identical record to that of the champion of 23-0, with 16 Knockouts should have been viewed as a dangerous option for a champion making his first title defense.

The fight between Crawford and Gamboa would have a little bit of everything. Tactical Boxing, both fighters having periods of effectiveness, and both fighters showing their mettle. An old adage that Boxing fans will hear from time to time is that a good big man will always beat a good little man. In this fight Crawford was the naturally bigger man who had a near three-inch height advantage over the challenger. Gamboa however, did not look as though Crawford’s physical advantages would have an effect on him early in the fight.

The fight began at a tactical pace. Although both fighters were able to be effective early on, it seemed that it was Gamboa who was dictating how the fight was being fought. The challenger consistently get his punches off first with short crisp combinations and won the early rounds in my opinion.

This presented an interesting situation for the champion, who much like Gamboa, is known for his quick hands and ability to time his opponents. It was very competitive between the two early on, but it seemed that Gamboa’s combinations and counter punching gave the challenger a slight edge.

The momentum of the fight gradually shifted toward the champion, who began to impose his will on Gamboa as the rounds went on. A flush counter right hook from Crawford sent Gamboa to the canvas in the final minute of the fifth round. Gamboa showed his heart by getting up from the knockdown and choosing to attempt to return offense instead of being on the defensive. Although no one can take away from Gamboa’s courage, I felt that it would have been in his best interest to be somewhat defensive and give himself some time to recover.

Despite being knocked down and badly staggered in the final seconds of round five, Gamboa was able to survive the round. At this point the fight went from a tactical Boxing match to more of a fire fight with both fighters coming forward in looking to engage. It was Crawford’s ability however, to mix up his attack to the body and head of Gamboa as well as his ability to switch between the southpaw and orthodox stances that turned this fight in his favor.

At this stage of the fight Crawford’s natural size and strength advantage, as well as his precision counter punches became the focal point. Although very “Game” in his willingness to come forward and engage the champion after being knocked down and badly hurt in the fifth round, Gamboa was not able to get his punches off first as he was able to do in the early rounds. Gamboa’s punches also did not seem to have much sting to them after the knockdown. The champion would continue to impose his will on the challenger as the rounds went on.

Gamboa would be caught by a counter combination by Crawford as he pressed forward on the attack knocking the former Featherweight world champion down for the second time in round eight. Despite going down for the second time, Gamboa continued to press forward and briefly staggered the champion in round nine. The champion however, would respond by dropping Gamboa for the third time later in the round with a left hook. A right uppercut by the champion would close the show seconds later as it dropped Gamboa for the fourth time, causing Referee Genaro Rodriguez to stop the fight at 2:53 of round nine.

Although some may say that it was this fight that made Terence Crawford Boxing’s newest star, I believe this was a fight where his star continued to rise after defeating Ricky Burns earlier this year. Crawford, now 24-0, with 17 knockouts does have some interesting options that could be available to him coming off his first title defense.

Contenders such as Ray Beltran, Hank Lundy, Darley Perez, and former world champions Juan Diaz and Jorge Linares all pose an interesting challenge to Crawford. There is also of course the possibility of potential unification bouts with the likes of WBA champion Richard Abril, WBC champion Omar Figueroa, and IBF champion Miguel Vazquez that should also be viewed as potential options. Which option Crawford decides to take is only a question that he can answer, but I do believe the possibility exists that Crawford will make a mandatory defense of his WBO world title before any potential unification bout with any of the three other champions in the division takes place. In terms of a mandatory challenger Ray Beltran is currently ranked number one in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) ratings. We will have to wait and see what the future holds for Crawford.

Although suffering the first defeat of his professional career, Yuriorkis Gamboa has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. He fought his heart out and proved he is a warrior and should hold his head high. No matter what Gamboa does next, I believe that he will continue to be a player in any weight class that he chooses to compete. It should not be overlooked that Gamboa was able to dictate the early rounds of this fight and even after the momentum clearly shifted toward Crawford, continued to press forward looking to turn the fight back around in his favor. An argument could be made that the loss for Gamboa may have done more for him in the long-term than a victory would have. Yuriorkis Gamboa is still a highly skilled and dangerous fighter who will give anyone in the Lightweight division or neighboring weight classes all they can handle.

As Terence Crawford’s star continues to rise, one thing that could very well rise up along with it is a popular destination for the sport of Boxing. The Crawford-Gamboa world Lightweight championship fight was the first world title fight to take place in Omaha, Nebraska since 1972 when the late great Joe Frazier scored a fifth round stoppage of contender Ron Stander to retain the Heavyweight championship of the world.

It goes without saying that many of the sport’s more prominent fights over the years have been staged in major cities such as Las Vegas. After forty-two years a world championship fight returned to Omaha drawing nearly 11,000 spectators. A scenario that could present itself for Crawford is one that is not all that unlike that of former world champion Tony Lopez who fought many of his fights in his hometown of Sacramento, California and not unlike former Heavyweight contender Joe Mesi, who fought many fights in his hometown of Buffalo, New York.

Each of these boxers established a fan base and in the process generated significant attention for each respective city.  Whether or not Terence Crawford will continue to defend his world title in his hometown is anyone’s guess, but why not?

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison