Yvan Mendy Breaks Down, Stops Jesus Arevalo in Eight

By Francisco Salazar

Lightweight contender Yvan Mendy broke down Jesus Arevalo, scoring an eighth round knockout victory Thursday night at the Palais des Sport Marcel Cerdan in Levallois-Perret, France.

Mendy (40-4-1, 19 knockouts) was the superior fighter between the two. The 32-year-old fighter from Paris connected with the more telling punches, particularly when he counter Arevalo's wider punches.

Arevalo (25-3-1, 15 KOs), who resides in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, attempted to stay in the pocket with Mendy, finding some success. By the sixth round, Mendy's punches began to take their toll on Arevalo, driving him back against the ropes or into a corner.

Mendy, who resides in Paris, continued to break Arevalo down by digging hooks to the body. The amount of punches finally took their toll in round eight. A counter right cross from Mendy simultaneously opened a cut over Arevalo's left eye and forced him to take a knee. Referee Frank Garza counted Arevalo out at 2:10.

Arevalo has now lost his last two bouts.

Mendy, who ranked number two by the WBC, has won his last 10 bouts. His most notable win of his career was a 12 round split decision over Luke Campbell.

Heavyweight contender Johann Duhaupas dropped Newfel Ouatah (15-2, 8 KOs) in the eighth round, forcing him to remain on his stool after the round completed. Duhaupas has now won his last three bouts and is ranked number seven by the WBC.

Unbeaten heavyweight Oscar Rivas (22-0, 16 KOs) won a 10 round unanimous decision over Gabriel Enguema (8-4, 5 KOs).

Middleweight prospect and 2016 Olympian Christian Mbilli dropped Robert Swierzbinski (18-7-2, 3 KOs)three times en route to a fifth round knockout victory, improving to 7-0, 7 KOs.

Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper, RingTV.com, and FightNights.com. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing