It’s Showtime for Mookie

For the last few years Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis (17-3) has fought to get the recognition and all that comes with being a world class fighter. The sport is boxing but they are prize fighters, who want the paydays that come with being a world champion. Friday night Pendarvis will get one step closer to a world title when he takes on the undefeated Dierry Jean (24-0) in an IBF title eliminator that is televised on Showtime.

The fight which takes place at the Buffalo Run Casino, Miami, Oklahoma, will be featured on the ShoBox series that focuses on young stars in the sport, Pendarvis hopes this is the beginning of more to come. Known for his fast hands and feet that have built him a reputation as a talented fighter who has sparred with some of the sports biggest names, he now looks to show the world what he has to offer the junior welterweight division.

 “I’m very excited. I’ve been through alot in my life. I’ve been mistreated and left out on the street, left out in the business. Many people thought I wouldn’t make it to this point, that I wouldn’t even get the USBA. It’s hard to explain because there is lots of bottled up emotions inside,” said Pendarvis.

 For a fighter who competes with such a composure, Pendarvis expresses his emotions leading up to the fight. The culmination of events has led him to this moment where he is a victory away from competing for the world title he so desperately seeks. With that said, make no mistake about it, he understands who is the more experienced fighter and what he expects of himself.

 “They’re looking at my record 17-3, but at the end of the day I’ve been through the ups and downs of this game. I’ve fought guys who have names for themselves so to be able to showcase my talents on the network is a beautiful thing. I’m humbled,” said Pendarvis.

 Under the bright lights of the big fights some fighters can’t adjust and crumble under the pressure. For Pendarvis, he says this is long overdue and after years of helping others, his time is now.

 “Its a great feeling that the world will get to see me showcase my talents. I’ve been behind the scenes for years helping world champions prepare for their title fights. Now I get to prove myself against a quality opponent,” said Pendarvis.

 While little is known about Jean, the undefeated Canadian has the full attention of Pendarvis who has done his research and prepared for everything that he can offer.

 “I watch film and do my homework. I’m not like other fighters who try to fake it and say they don’t watch film. This is a chess game, you have to do your homework, this is my test. He has skills but overall I don’t think he’s better than me. I heard his team say they were going to stop me late, well how can you predict something like that. You have to get to the later rounds first,” said Pendarvis.

 The years of experience with some of the best in boxing has given Pendarvis the confidence to know that he can fight anyone in the division. “I don’t make predictions, but I know what I can do and what my abilities are.”

 Friday night he hopes to take that step forward and share with the world those abilities by securing a victory and earning the title shot.