Former IBF Super-Featherweight Champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (21-0, 12 KOs), has vacated his title in pursuit of bigger fights at Lightweight. Barthelemy’s first fight at 135 lbs. will take place tomorrow night at the Hialeah Park Race Track in Hialeah, Florida, against Angino Perez (18-4, 16 KOs). Barthelemy vs. Perez, a 10-round bout, will air live on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights”.
Standing 5’11, Rances Barthelemy has the height and reach to be successful while moving up in weight class. Barthelemy, a Cuban national amateur champion, has developed into a terrific professional fighter, winning his first would title against Argenis Mendez (22-3-1, 12 KOs) back in July of 2014. His sole title defense was a unanimous decision against Fernando David Saucedo (54-6-3, 8 KOs) last October.
“I feel confident with the move up to Lightweight,” said Rances Barthelemy. “I know I have the skills to win another title at 135 pounds. I’m looking for the biggest fights in the division but first I must get past Perez. This will be my first fight at this weight class. I feel strong, and the extra weight will add power to my punches.”
Rances Barthelemy is advised by Al Haymon. The opportunities are endless for Barthelemy if he can continue to shine on national television.
“If the right fights present themselves then I’ll be ready to fight anyone,” Rances continued. “I’m even willing to go up to Jr. Welterweight (140 lbs.) if the fight makes sense. I’m taking all comers from 135lbs. to 140lbs. My mission is to stay busy and keep winning. With Al Haymon advising me, I’m ready to take my career to new levels. It starts tomorrow night against Perez.”
