Argenis Mendez (25-6-3, 12 KOs), a former super featherweight champion, is looking to make the most of his pay-per-view showcase, when he faces Olympian Batyr Akhmedov (8-1, 7 KOs) on Saturday night at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

The bout will be part of the undercard to the junior welterweight clash between Gervonta Davis and Mario Barrios.

In his most recent outing, Mendez dropped a split-decision to Richardson Hitchins last December. And in 2019, Mendez fought to back-to-back draws against super lightweight contenders Anthony Peterson and Juan Heraldez.

Akhmedov will not be an easy foe. He represented Turkey at the 2016 Olympic games. The 30-year-old turned pro in 2017 and won his first seven pro fights, with six coming by knockout.

In September 2019, he lost a close decision to Mario Barrios. He was dropped twice in the bout. The tough boxer bounced back with a first round stoppage of Ray Perez in the first round in September 2020.

Mendez, who has a big edge in experience, is expecting a tough bout - but he believes Akhmedov has the perfect fighting style for him.

“I am glad to be here. I believe that this fight will be different because my opponent likes to come forward and is an aggressive fighter. That is exactly how I like to fight," Mendez said.

“My opponent is a very strong fighter that will provide us with a very good fight because he will engage with me. I will emerge victorious, but it will be an exciting and interesting fight. This is a big opportunity that I plan to take advantage of. I am a warrior and I plan to come out victorious and then go after the title that I want.

“My training was a bit peculiar in Manchester, England, which was a different setting for me. I loved every second of it. My coach couldn’t be here because of COVID-19 circumstances, but I am still supported by my team right here which is great. I’m really excited to show what I have been working on this Saturday night.”