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Argenis Mendez is fully focused on his next title defense, which comes Friday against mandatory challenger Rances Barthelemy at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The bout serves as the 2014 season premiere of ESPN2 Friday Night Fights.
Even with all of his mental energy locked in on this weekend's challenge, it's impossible to not think ahead given all of the talent and activity in the 130 lb. division. New Year's Eve in Japan saw Takashi Uchiyama and Takashi Miura defend their belts in separate bouts in Tokyo, paving the way for a potential rematch and unification bout at some point in 2014.
Stateside, unbeaten Miguel Angel 'Mikey' Garcia defends his belt against Juan Carlos Burgos on January 25 in New York City.
Mendez is cognizant of the challenge immediately in front of him, viewing this weekend's bout as a must-win in order to pave the way for what he insists will be the biggest year of his career.
"I want to congratulate (Uchiyama and Miura) on their wins today," Mendez said earlier Tuesday afternoon after learning of his divisional rivals' accomplishments. "I'd love to fight both of them at some point and add their belts to my collection. If they fight each other, then I will put myself in position to get the winner.
"Mikey Garcia is also on the radar as well. I've been thinking about nothing other than taking care of business (on Friday) with Barthelemy. Once that fight is over and I defend my title, all of the other champions are on alert for 2014."
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Even with all of his mental energy locked in on this weekend's challenge, it's impossible to not think ahead given all of the talent and activity in the 130 lb. division. New Year's Eve in Japan saw Takashi Uchiyama and Takashi Miura defend their belts in separate bouts in Tokyo, paving the way for a potential rematch and unification bout at some point in 2014.
Stateside, unbeaten Miguel Angel 'Mikey' Garcia defends his belt against Juan Carlos Burgos on January 25 in New York City.
Mendez is cognizant of the challenge immediately in front of him, viewing this weekend's bout as a must-win in order to pave the way for what he insists will be the biggest year of his career.
"I want to congratulate (Uchiyama and Miura) on their wins today," Mendez said earlier Tuesday afternoon after learning of his divisional rivals' accomplishments. "I'd love to fight both of them at some point and add their belts to my collection. If they fight each other, then I will put myself in position to get the winner.
"Mikey Garcia is also on the radar as well. I've been thinking about nothing other than taking care of business (on Friday) with Barthelemy. Once that fight is over and I defend my title, all of the other champions are on alert for 2014."
[Click Here To Read More]
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