Rances Barthelemy Aims To Capture Title at Junior Welterweight

By Elisinio Castillo

Former world champion Rances Barthelemy made headlines last week when he vacated his IBF lighteweight world title.

Just days prior to vacating the belt, he retained the world title at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Florida. Barthelemy (25-0, 13KOs) won a twelve round decision over former beltholder Mickey Bey.

Barthelemy won the 130-pound belt in July 2014 in Miami against the Dominican Argenis Mendez and then added his second professional title, at lightweight, in December 2015 in Las Vegas with a win over Russia's Denis Shafikov.

Barthelemy reveals that he struggled to make the lightweight limit for his fight with Bey and felt it was better to move up in weight to chase his third divisional title at junior welterweight. A few fights back Barthelemt had moved up to 140-pounds, but then dropped back down when presented with a title fight against Shafikov.

"[Last] Tuesday, formally, we inform the International Boxing Federation that we were leaving the title vacant,'' said Barthelemy to George Ebro. " It was an honor to have it and defended it, but my body is sending me signals that it's necessary to ascend to the next division. I can't ignore it."

"This will be the best for my physical health and my sporting career. And on my desire to become the first Cuban to win titles in three different divisions.''

Some of the big guns at junior welterweight include Terence Crawford (World Boxing Organization), Eduard Troyanovsky (International Boxing Federation/International Boxing Organization), Ricky Burns (World Boxing Association) and Viktor Postol (World Boxing Council).

"Barthelemy is one of those boxers who brings talent and charisma, two things that are very important, '' said his trainer Ismael Salas. "If anyone can add those titles, it is him. He is ready for bigger things. ''

"The fight against Bey was very hard, and now I'm taking a few days off before committing back in the gym. I know good things will come before end of 2016."