(June 3, 2016) - Undefeated lightweight world champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (25-0, 13 KOs) defeated former world champion Mickey “The Spirit” Bey (22-2-1, 10 KOs) by split decision (117-110, 116-111, 110-117) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike Friday night at the Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
Following an exciting first round in which Barthelemy backed Bey up at the bell, round two came to a close with similar fireworks in the form of an accidental head butt. In the commotion, a stunned Barthelemy stumbled to the canvas and referee Sam Burgos ruled it an official knockdown, making it the first Barthelemy’s career.
Barthelemy said, “I really don't remember exactly what happened, but I felt it was more of a slip than anything. I was a little off balance and we butted heads so at that point that's when I went down, but that's okay. I don't mind that they counted it.”
Bey had issues with the head contact also. “After I dropped him he got me again with a good head butt. The cut on my eye from that second head butt affected me for about four or five rounds, but it’s a fight, so you have to do the best you can with the vision you have. But I would have liked to avoid all the head contact.”
“It was the first time in my entire career, both amateurs and professionals, that I hit the canvas in any way,” added Barthelemy. “It was just a little surprising, but after that I knew I had to come out strong and put pressure on him because I knew the judges might hold that against me. My mentality originally was to box, but I had to change my plans and start putting pressure on him.”
In a fight that saw a lot of competitive back and forth action during the middle and late rounds, neither fighter was able to take complete control or end the evening early.
Barthelemy believed he’d done enough to win unanimously arguing, “When I heard the judge who gave the score to Bey I thought he was either blind or he was bought. I felt that was disrespectful not only to me but to the fans as well.
“We knew what Mickey was prepared for though,” concluded Barthelemy. “We knew he was going to be a counter puncher and we know that was coming from the Mayweather school of thought. So we knew what we were up against and he put on a tough fight.”
Bey vowed to avenge the hard-fought loss soon. “I’m ready to get right back after it and chase another belt. I’m looking to stay busy and get back in the ring soon.”
#BarthelemyBey #RancesBarthelemy #MickeyBey
Visit PremierBoxingChampions.com for info.
SIGN UP FOR FIGHT ALERTS:
pbcham.ps/FightAlerts
FOLLOW US:
/ premierboxing
/ premierboxing
/ premierboxingchampions