By Reynaldo Sanchez

IBF super featherweight champion Argenis Mendez (21-2-1, 11KOs) went to war during a sparring session with undefeated junior welterweight puncher Maurice Hooker (12-0-1, 9KOs). Mendez is holding camp at the Iron Mike Productions Gym in Deerfield, Florida. He returns on January 3rd in a mandatory title defense against undefeated challenger Rances Barthelemy (19-0, 12KOs) of Cuba. ESPN's Friday Night Fights will televise the contest.