Rances Barthelemy: I Want Mikey Garcia, Let's Settle It!

By Francisco Salazar

MASHANTUCKET, CONN. – As much as David Saucedo tried, he wasn't able to do a whole lot against Rances Barthelemy. Join the club.

Barthelemy had little trouble against Saucedo, winning a one-sided 12 round unanimous decision at the Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Conn. With the victory, Barthelemy successfully defended his IBF junior lightweight title.

The bout headlined "Showtime Championship Boxing" telecast.

Barthelemy was defending his title he won from Argenis Mendez on July 10 in Miami, Florida. It was a rematch from their January 3 bout, when Barthelemy was originally declared the winner by knockout, but was later declared a no decision.

Saucedo, who was fighting for the first time in the United States, entered the bout against Barthelemy having won 14 bouts in a row.

It was all Barthelemy as he landed the more telling blows. Saucedo was the aggressor, but was not able to land anything flush to the head of Barthelemy. Saucedo looked befuddled at times as he was not able to break Barthelemy's guard.

Barthelemy counter well to the head, whether it was a hook or a counter right hand to the head.

As the bout progressed into the second half of the fight, Barthelemy invested more in the body. Anytime Barthelemy landed anything of significance to the body, Saucedo winced in pain.

It looked as though Barthelemy would try to get Saucedo out of there. There were times when Barthelemy went on the attack, but Saucedo was able to hang on. Saucedo continued to fight on, but had very little success as the fight came to its conclusion.

All three judges scored the bout 120-108 in favor of Barthelemy.

The Cuban-born Barthelemy, who lives and trains in Las Vegas, Nev., improves to 21-0 1ND, 12 KOs. Saucedo, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, drops to 52-6-3, 8 KOs.

“It was a good fight,” Barthelemy said. “Saucedo is a veteran guy. In one moment, I thought I was going to knock him out, but he knows how to make the fight last.

“I want Mikey Garcia. They say he’s the best. I say I’m the best. Let’s settle it.”

Saucedo said Barthelemy is too big for the weight. 

 “I did everything I could,” Saucedo said. “We gave it our all but he is just a stronger and bigger guy. He’s a very good fighter, but he’s too big for this weight division.”