BoxingAfrica.com caught up with former world champion Argenis Mendez as he prepares for his August 26 showdown versus IBO World lightweight champion Emmanuel “Game Boy” Tagoe at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Tagoe’s native Accra, Ghana. Mendez, possessing some of the finest boxing skills in the sport today, is coming off an upset victory over the respected Ivan Redkach. Based on his commentary here, he’s next looking to shock Ghanaian fans and earn their respect with a decisive victory over “Game Boy.” Check out our interview below!
Argenis, how are things going in camp right now?
Things are going great – we’re in the gym daily. You will see the results on fight night.
You’re coming off a solid win versus Ivan Redkach. Give us your thoughts on that fight.
Yes, the Redkach win was maybe the best of my career as I was the underdog and everyone expected me to be defeated. But my team and I had other plans.
You seemed to hit a rough patch with back to back losses to Robert Easter Jr. and Luke Campbell and then looked rejuvenated versus Redkach. Could you tell us what happened there?
My body healed, that’s what happened. I had been going through a lot of injuries but I was able to rededicate myself once I became injury free and that was the difference. Even when I was hurting before, I couldn’t turn down any fights because I have the heart of a champion. But now I’m injury free, in the gym every day and you will see the results again on August 26.
Let’s talk about your opponent that day, Emmanuel Tagoe. What are your thoughts on him and how you match up?
Emmanuel Tagoe is a good fighter. I’ve studied him and he has good skills and is confident. But listen, my team and I think he is suited to my style. I mean perfectly suited. We are going to look very good against him.
Are there any concerns about fighting him in his native Ghana and/or judging?
None at all. The goal is to become a two-time world champion. I have the best trainer in the world in Ace (Asa Beard) and together, there is no stopping us. I’m ready to become a two-time world champion and Tagoe is in the way. Nothing is going to stop us.
As for fighting in front of his fans, I want to tell everybody in Ghana that I am excited to display my boxing ability in Africa! I know the fans there are great and I love the prospects of fighting there!
And after I am done with Tagoe, I want Richard Commey! This is a fight that makes sense for us in the ring and also financially. Team Mendez is ready to make that happen. I fear nobody!
Argenis, thank you for your time.
Thank you and everyone tune in on August 26. It’s going to be a great show!
