Rances Barthelemy vs. Denis Shafikov
Photo by Cristian Echeverria/PBC
Lou Catalano, Senior Writer
Last time out, Rances Barthelemy took Tony DeMarco to school, while Denis Shafikov has been on a three fight winning streak since losing to Miguel Vazquez, who is best known for being the actual physical manifestation of Ambien.
This fight feels wrong for the Russian, and Barthelemy is pretty tricky. I like “Kid Blast” by decision.
Prediction: Barthelemy
Ardy Ajoste, Graphic Designer
Prediction: Barthelemy
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
This one is tough to call. Rances Barthelemy is a solid fighter with good pop, but he’s been fluctuating a lot in weight–fighting at Jr. Lightweight, Jr. Welterweight and now Lightweight all within a year so I really don’t know how comfortable he will be at 135.
Given the fact that Haymon fighters make up their own weight classes I just hope Barthelemy comes in under whatever magical number they’ve set for this fight. The IBF Lightweight title is on the line so that adds some extra flare to the matchup, especially for Denis Shafikov who lost to former IBF champion Miguel Vazquez and then had a few fights with former champion Mickey Bey fall through.
If Barthelemy can comfortably make weight and is ready to go the distance, I can see him winning a hard-fought decision against Shafikov. On the other hand, Shafikov is one of those Russian’s who will walk through a blizzard to land a punch so I can also see him taking Barthelemy’s best stuff.
Again, this is a tough call, but I’m going to go with the presumably harder puncher and more athletic fighter, Barthelemy.
Prediction: Barthelemy
