I had a chance to talk with Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis after his victory over Michael Clark the Friday before Christmas. The fight went all Mookie’s way, as Clark failed to come out for the sixth round.

“I was using my jab a little bit more; he was just using his more like a finder, to see where he could catch me. In the second round we both got busier. In the third I caught him with a combination left hand, right hook, uppercut and he went down. He got up after the eight count, but he was complaining about being poked in the eye.

“We came back out and exchanged a little bit more,” he continued, “and I caught him another time and he went back down. He was still complaining about his eye. For the next two rounds I was very busy and was walking him down a lot. He didn’t want to come out for the sixth round.

“Michael Clark is an experienced fighter, he’s a veteran. I told myself before the fight that I had to go in there and fight like an experienced fighter as well.”

Pendarvis felt that he was able to get in some decent work, even though the fight went only five rounds. He felt he showed patience, while at the same time giving the fans action. But don’t expect Mookie to take a break.

“We’re coming back either January 23 or February 6, we just don’t know exactly where it will be yet. But most likely it will be out of town. Right after a fight like this, why not stay busy and stay out there? I told my manager before the fight that if all went well I wanted to get right back in there.

“People aren’t gonna know you if you don’t stay busy, and they won’t respect your skills. You have to stay active, particularly when you’re on the way up.”

On that way up Cleotis has won four belts; the WSBA Light Welterweight belt, the WBC United States (USNBC) Light Welterweight belt, the WBF Intercontinental Welterweight belt, and the WBF United States Welterweight belt. But his goal is to hold a major title.

“Hopefully we have a good fight in that next one, then come back and have a home town fight. There are a lot of guys out there that are in the money, and beating one of them would definitely put me further down the road and closer to a world title.”

Pendarvis is confident in his skills, and in closing had this to say.

“I want to thank everyone, and stand by. I’m ready to do what I have to do to prove myself out here in the boxing business.”

Look for Mookie to bring in the New Year swinging for that big belt.


Be safe and God Bless,
Viva La Raza,
Barb.