Argenis Mendez is putting in hard work at his training camp in England for his upcoming fight with Arash Usmanee, his first defense of the IBF super featherweight title. The bout headlines the 2013 season finale of ESPN2, which takes place on August 23rd at The Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York.

This event will be the first show presented by the promotional company Iron Mike Productions and will be broadcast on ESPN Friday Night Fights series. And also, present in the co-main event a 12 round bout between Claudio Marrero vs. Jesus Andres Cuellar for the World Boxing Association (WBA) feather weight interim world title.

Mendez (21-2, 11KO) is entering the final stages of his training camp for his first world title defense. His most recent sessions included a strenuous workout in the mountains, the type of work that reminded him of the difficult challenge that lies ahead.

“These workouts are strong, but I still have more to give to push myself to the limit in order to successfully defend my title,” said Mendez. “We have two weeks left to prepare to fight, this fight is for my country, the Dominican Republic.”

The recent workout also marked the last time Mendez will spar 12 hard rounds on any given day between now and fight night. “The sparring session will decrease, and we will focus more on speed. We are almost ready for August 23. My speed will be a big problem for Usmanee.”

A win on August 23 sets up big future plans for Mendez. To be able to headline a major event that includes Mike Tyson’s promotional debut will only add to his credentials and make him that much greater of an attraction in the super featherweight division.

“We have no doubt that Argenis Mendez is the best super featherweight in the world today,” insists Henry Rivalta, President of Operations for Iron Mike Promotions. “We are in the presence of an athlete who has all of the tools to become an elite boxer and future pound for pound star.

“To all boxing fans, I invite you to watch Argenis Mendez on August 23 in Verona, NY and bear witness to an exceptional fighter."