Quick thoughts on ESPN2 FNF season opener last night

Quick thoughts on ESPN2 FNF season opener last night
Mark E. Ortega
January 5, 2014

Fights like Ward-Sanchez prove you can't write a fighter off before a fight is over.

 Last night was the much anticipated 2014 season opener of ESPN2's Friday Night Fights. Just as there was controversy in the 2013 opening telecast, history repeated itself. Ironically, junior lightweight Rances Barthelemy was once again the beneficiary.

In the main event, Argenis Mendez (21-3-1, 11 knockouts) was defending his IBF 130-pound title against Barthelemy. Last year, Barthelemy won an unpopular decision over Arash Usmanee in ESPN2's opening broadcast (Usmanee fights in next week's main event against Juan Antonio Rodriguez).

Barthelemy got off to a great start as he fought from the proper range with Mendez unable to answer. In the second round, Mendez was floored in the final 30 seconds. Mendez was in big trouble but with very little time left, seemed a good bet to make it to his corner.

Usmanee catches good karma with title shot on FNF

Usmanee catches good karma with title shot on FNF
Mark E. Ortega
RingTV.com
August 23, 2013


Tonight, Arash Usmanee challenges for a title for the first time in his career when he meets Argenis Mendez on Friday Night Fights for the IBF 130-pound title.

Usmanee (20-1, 10 KOs) and Mendez will close this season of ESPN2's flagship boxing program. It is only fitting that Usmanee be part of the final show, given that he opened the program in January against Rances Barthelemy. Usmanee lost a highly controversial decision in that fight and hopes he closes the year with a better taste in his mouth.

Click here to read the rest...