Abel Mendoza’s 43rd Victory
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Abel Mendoza secured his 43rd professional victory in a match held on Saturday in Colombia, maintaining his perfect record as he heads into the super lightweight division. With each win, the 29-year-old Texan is inching closer to duplicating Floyd Mayweather’s legendary 50-0 status.
Emotional Gratitude
After the bout, an emotional Mendoza expressed his gratitude on social media, attributing his success to his faith.
“I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; I can hardly believe how far I’ve come in my life and career,”
he wrote, acknowledging that he has faced significant challenges along the way but has always overcome them with divine support.
Criticism and Response
While Mendoza’s impressive streak has garnered attention, his choice of opponents has drawn scrutiny. Critics, including some within the boxing community, have voiced concerns regarding the caliber of fighters he has faced, questioning the merit of his undefeated status. Prominent voices like former Mayweather Promotions fighter J’hon Ingram openly criticized Mendoza on social platforms, labeling him a “bum,” while another of Mayweather’s proteges, Curmel Moton, even challenged him to a fight.
In response to his critics, Mendoza remained unflustered, stating,
“People will always find a reason to criticize, but when I prove them wrong, they’ll only shift their narrative. In my pursuit, I’m looking to compete against elite contenders, not those who haven’t reached the eight-round mark. I trust my team can strategize effectively to secure those high-level fights.”
Goals Beyond Records
Despite the challenges ahead, Mendoza clarifies that beating Mayweather’s record is not his primary goal. During a past interview with World Boxing News, he stated,
“Becoming a world champion is my ultimate objective. If achieving that requires a record of 100-0, then I’m prepared to work towards it.”
Future Aspirations
Mayweather achieved his historic 50-0 record by defeating UFC fighter Conor McGregor on August 26, 2017, in a widely-publicized showdown in Las Vegas, solidifying his position as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Mendoza, however, appears to be on a different path, focusing on securing meaningful matchups that can elevate his career in 2025.
This latest win comes on the heels of a difficult evening where Mendoza suffered two losses in the Team Combat League, marking the first time he has been stopped in his career. However, matches within this league don’t count on professional records due to their unique format. It will be interesting to see how Mendoza navigates the future, especially amidst growing skepticism.
Phil Jay, the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News, brings more than 15 years of boxing journalism experience, having covered major events and interviewed numerous world champions within the sport.
