Rances Barthelemy and Denis Shafikov faced off December 18 on PBC on Spike for a vacant 135-pound world title. Barthelemy was seeking his second world champion title against the Russian Shafikov. Barthelemy (24-0, 13 KOs), a Cuban defector who has made a name for himself back home and in this country was seeking to extend his undefeated record. "Kid Blast" also had a 5" height and reach advantage stepping in to the ring against Shafikov. The first few rounds went the Russian boxers way, bringing the action to the chest of Barthelemy. He bullied his way inside, going around the Cubans guard to connect with both hands. But round by round, Barthelemy improved his distance using his jab to keep the much smaller fighter at bay. His height also played a factor in the later rounds. Towering over the 5'5" fighter with a 5"-6" advantage, he would set up Shafikov with jabs and followed them with dominant left hands. By Round 8, Rances pulled away from the fight. He was able to deliver a