Barthelemy: I Have To Break Saucedo Down Early

Rances Barthelemy will make his first defence of his IBF super-featherweight title in Mashantucket, Connecticut, on Saturday night.

The Cuban, who is undefeated after 20 professional bouts, faces Argentine veteran Fernando Saucedo less than three months after winning the belt by beating Argenis Mendez.

That fight, on July 10, followed a one in which Barthelemy knocked out Mendez with a punch that was ruled to have landed an instant after the bell to end the second round, resulting in a no-decision.

Barthelemy said this week the quick turnaround from his last outing would not be a problem.

"I feel fresh going into this fight because the last fight against Mendez wasn't so rough," he said. "I prefer to stay busy and keep the ball rolling."

Saucedo, 32, brings a record of 52-5 and 3 draws to the bout. His last defeat was in 2010, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Indonesia's Chris John in a WBA featherweight title bout.

He has won 14 fights since then, stepping up to super-featherweight. Seven of his eight knockout victories were during his present winning streak.

"He's a very dangerous fighter who hasn't lost a fight in many years," Barthelemy said. "I must break him down from the opening bell. That's what I'm going to do."