Miami, FL - With the most highly anticipated rematch in years taking place next week, legendary former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson gave his thoughts on the Thursday, July 10 International Boxing Federation (IBF) Super Featherweight showdown between his fighter, champion ARGENIS “La Tormenta” MENDEZ, 20-2-1 (11KO’s) and top rated challenger RANCES “Kid Blast” BARTHELEMY, 19-0-0 (12KO’s).

 

Presented by Iron Mike Productions, the Mendez-Barthelemy rematch headlines “JUDGMENT DAY” from the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida and LIVE on FOX Sports 1.

 

The first bout which took place on January 3, 2014 in Minneapolis, Minnesota was initially and wrongly ruled a second round stoppage for Barthelemy. However, the decision was reversed and ruled a “No Decision” by the Minnesota State Boxing Commission as a video replay clearly showed Mendez being hit after the bell sounded to end the second round.

 

Head of Iron Mike Productions, Tyson spoke about his charge and the events of January 3rd.

 

"Argenis was definitely not himself that night. Styles make fights and Mendez was definitely caught off guard by Barthelemy's height and length. He did not fight the way he usually does. We have been working with him for the last few months. His approach will be very different this time. He's much better prepared for the height, reach and power of Barthelemy.”

 

“Argenis has normally faced fighters who come forward. Barthelemy didn't and he forced Mendez to come to him and go first. If Mendez had let the fight develop and made Barthelemy come to him, there might have been a very different result. All I'm saying is Barthelemy didn't become King Kong overnight and Argenis did not become a bum overnight. Like Sergio Martinez against Miguel Cotto, he got caught early and didn't recover. Argenis will make the adjustments and we’re confident you will see a very different result."

 

Since January 3rd, the controversy and fighting has continued outside the ring with Tyson and Iron Mike Productions winning every battle. First they won on appeal and got the decision changed to a no contest. Then they won another appeal for the purse to remain a 75-25 split for Mendez as directed by the IBF guidelines. Iron Mike then stepped in and won the purse bid $260,000. to $251.000, shocking the Barthelemy camp who had recently added the all-powerful, uber manager/advisor Al Haymon to their team.

 

Finally they won another appeal filed in May by the Barthelemy camp, which clearly prefers to do their fighting in the courts rather then in the ring. Now all Mendez has to do is follow his promoters lead and complete this interesting saga of the last seven months with a win between the ropes.

 

Continued Tyson, “Barthelemy is an awkward fighter and if Mendez can make the adjustments then he will successfully defend his title. This is going to be a great matchup and I am excited for our fans that will be watching it in person and watching it on Fox Sports 1. I am anxious to see how it turns out. What is nice about being Mike Tyson, the promoter, is that, no matter what, as long as the fans get excited and are entertained, then IMP has succeeded. Mendez winning will be icing on the cake. Don't miss July 10th!"

 

Co-featured on the FOX Sports 1 telecast will be a 10-round light heavyweight clash between world ranked contender HUMBERTO “EL Don” SAVIGNE and former world champion JEFF “Left Hook” LACY.

 

Opening the FOX Sports 1 telecast will be the nationally televised debut of heralded and undefeated 18-year-old welterweight prospect ERICKSON “The Hammer” LUBIN clashing with Mexican veteran NOE “Platanito” BOLANOS in a scheduled eight round bout.

 

A sensational off-TV undercard for “JUDGMENT DAY” will be announced shortly.

 

For more information on “JUDGMENT DAY” please visit the website, . Advance tickets, starting at $49 may be purchased through with V.I.P Ringside Table Packages also available.

 

The American Airlines Arena is located at 601 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida, 33132. For more information, please visit their website at . Doors will open on the evening of the event at 6:30 p.m. with the first bell at 8:00 p.m.