LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Recent reports have IBF super featherweight champion, Juan Carlos Salgado (26-1-1, 16 KO’s) looking for an opponent for his scheduled title defense this November. LOOK NO FURTHER. Rances Barthelemy (17-0, 11 KO’s), #6 in the IBF world rankings, says he is ready, willing and able to fight Salgado for his world title.
“I respect Salgado for his courage to fight Gamboa, maybe the best Cuban fighter. I am also an undefeated Cuban boxer with a world rating. I will fight you anywhere. You were ready to fight one Cuban, now fight me instead. Give me a shot at your belt.”, said Barthelemy.
Barthelemy’s manager, Henry Foster, said: “Rances trained for two years in the gym with Glen Johnson, whose motto, ‘I don’t say I’m the best, I just want to fight the best’, apparently rubbed off on him. We were aiming for a title shot next year, but we’re ready to pull the trigger if Salgado gives us the chance to fight him for his title. I hope Salgado’s people don’t take the typical ‘safety first’ approach to a voluntary title defense, that is, lobbying to insert a hand picked opponent into the rankings, and producing a predictable fight in which no one benefits, especially the fans, who deserve exciting and competitive championship bouts.”
“Rances is an exciting fighter who has worked hard to earn his world ranking in the IBF”, said Macke Roberts, Director of Marketing and Media for “Kid Blast”. “The fall out of the Gamboa-Salgado fight could provide fans the opportunity to see another explosive Cuban warrior compete against a current Mexican sensation. A Salgado-Barthelemy world title fight is sure to do great box office and big ratings on Mexican television. Warriors Boxing and Bad Dog Productions, co-promote the 26 year old Cuban contender. They told me they totally endorse the challenge to Salgado by Barthelemy.”
