By Dean Parr
On June 30th, Super Middleweights are set to square off at the infamous York Hall in Bethnall Green, London, as the popular one-night, eight man tournament Prizefighter returns. One of the competitors in this edition is Patrick Mendy, 5-4 (0 early), an ambitious Gambian desperate to win. He couldn't believe his luck that he was selected for the competition.
"I still don't believe it yet," noted Mendy. "It's just like a dream come true. I don't know what to say; I'm just very, very excited about it. I'm really motivated to win this and I'll do everything to win all the fights. I train hard and I've been sparring with Nathan Cleverly. I have no doubt about it; I will win these fights."
Patrick is convinced his preparations are going to plan, and believes the 3x3 round format and possibility of fighting three times in one night will be perfect for him.
He said, "Everything's going well. Since we've known I'm in Prizefighter, we've stepped up the training to another level. It will suit me. It's all about fitness; if you're proper fit, there's nothing to doubt about. In boxing, one thing you need to do is sacrifice, and I've sacrificed a lot of things, and that's why I'm fit every day."
At time of writing the draw hasn't been announced, but regardless of whom he's put up against, the Jim Evans-trained 168-pounder is certain of victory.
"I don't mind who my opponent is," he stated. "Anybody I get, I'm going to make sure they know who is the 'Tiger.' They might look at me and say, 'He has four losses and five wins,' but when you look at my record it's like another story. I've started from the top with the biggest fights, so I have nothing to doubt now because I've fought top fighters. I'll just go out and do my job."
Indeed, combining all nine of the pugilists Mendy has faced to date in the pro ranks, they hold two losses between them (at the time Patrick fought them), showing that he's been in at a good standard through his whole career. The Gambian now wants to show he's a class above others at his weight by emerging victorious in Prizefighter.
"It's going to open a lot of doors for me," beamed the Reading resident. "In my community, boys are hanging around and causing trouble, so after this fight I can open free classes for them to go and train. Secondly, I'm looking forward to fighting for Britain anywhere I'm wanted to go. They say that after this, the one who wins is going to fight George Groves. I'm really excited about it."
"I'm going to be Number One and World Champion," Mendy continued. "I'm going to go very far in boxing, and after this, I don't think that anyone will ever beat me. There won't be taking fights at one week's notice anymore, and there's going to be time for my fights now. Everything will be different."
Last time out, Patrick lost to Kenny Anderson via a 78-75 points margin, but he's convinced this was the incorrect result.
"I was crying after the fight," admitted the 19-year-old. "Kenny Anderson knew he didn't win that, but there's nothing I can do. If you don't knock people out, you can't get the win sometimes. I just used it for learning though."
In the face of this setback, Mendy is convinced he's improved and is learning all the time. "Everything is better," he noted. "When people watch me now, everything's different from the Kenny Anderson fight. Every day I change."
With this, Mendy is 'one-hundred percent' he'll emerge victorious out of this tournament, taking the £30,000 cash prize home with him. The replacement for Liverpool's Tony Dodson noted, "I've watched all the boys, and if they sacrifice the way I sacrifice; no problem, let's do it. Talking's easy and people can say anything they like, but the only thing that matters is when we step in the ring. There it's only me and you, and the stronger you are and more energy you have, the more likely you are to win the fight."
With this confidence, Mendy is a live underdog, and could well put up more of a fight than many expect come June 30th.
Tickets are on sale now and cost £35 (unreserved), £60 (ringside) and £100 (VIP) and are available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.
