Argenis Mendez vs Arash Usmanee: IBF Super Featherweight Title

As most fight fans already know, Mike Tyson has now become a boxing promoter. “Iron” Mike Tyson, who recently partnered with Acquinity Sports, under CEO Garry Jonas, to form Iron Mike Productions.  The Florida-based, full-service promotional company presents its first event – “Tyson Is Back!” – August 23 in association with Greg Cohen Promotions at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Iron Mike Productions will be putting on an exciting card that will be aired live on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights on August 23rd at 9pm from the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona New York.

The main event will feature a super featherweight world title bout between IBF champion Argenis Mendez (21-2 11KO’s) and Arash Usmanee (20-1 10Ko’s). Mendez is currently ranked at #2 in The Ring’s rankings and won his IBF world title belt by knocking out reigning champion Juan Carlos Salgado (26-2-1-16Ko’s).

Mendez has good boxing skills and can move really well with his feet. He’s also a slick fighter and has above average defense. Mendez also holds the edge in the level of competition they have been facing by fighting Salgado (twice) and Martin Honorio.

His opponent Arash Usmanee is a super featherweight fringe contender. Every single time but once, he has fought in his adopted home country of Canada. The one time he fought outside of Canada was this past January in Miami Florida. It was televised on ESPN FNF and he ended up losing a close and controversial decision against the undefeated Cuban Rances Barthelemy currently (19-0 12Ko’s).

Usmanee also possesses good skills and footwork and is a good boxer as well. He has largely fought weak opposition, but the one time he stepped it up he performed well despite losing a decision in the judge’s eyes. Usmanee likes to throw combinations but his punches aren’t as judge friendly as Mendez’s. This fight is a good match up and it should be competitive and entertaining. Iron Mike Productions deserve props for a main event such as this.

Tickets priced at $150, $95, $55 and $45 are on sale and available to purchase at the Turning Stone box office, by calling (315) 361-7469, or visit www.Ticketmaster.com.

Doors open at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Event Center at 6:00 p.m. ET, Friday, August 23.  The first undercard bout starts at 7:00 p.m. ET.  The live ESPN2 telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Iron Mike Productions, previously Acquinity Sports, is a boxing promotion company co-founded and led by Acquinity Interactive CEO Garry Jonas. It is a partnership with Hall of Famer Mike Tyson committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters’ successes inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement.

For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com or www.TurningStone.com.