Abel Mendoza’s Boxing Record Controversy
Abel Mendoza’s boxing record has recently been a topic of debate following an adjustment by the official record keepers that brought his professional tally back to 42 wins and no losses. This alteration occurred after a perplexing incident where his record incorrectly fell to 41-0 when a fight in Colombia was unexpectedly removed. While the record was quickly rectified, Mendoza maintains that he should actually be recognized as 45-0.
Missing Victories and Ambitions
In interviews, the super lightweight contender explained that two wins he achieved in Mexico in 2022 have yet to be included in the official counts.
“I contested two bouts in Mexico last year against credible opponents,”
Mendoza said, expressing his frustration at the missing victories. Boxing enthusiasts speculate that if these victories were acknowledged, he would not only be on a path similar to that of Floyd Mayweather’s famed 50-0 record, but may also be on the verge of it.
Focus on Championship Goals
At 29 years old, Mendoza clarified that he is not driven by the desire to surpass Mayweather’s achievements; rather, his primary ambition is to reign as a world champion. In previous statements, he emphasized,
“My goal has never been to eclipse Floyd’s record; it’s about holding a world title. If that means I have to achieve an extensive winning record, I’m all for it.”
Criticism and Future Plans
While Mendoza’s undefeated status is evident, he faces skepticism regarding the quality of his competition, particularly since none of his 42 victories have come against fighters ranked within the top fifteen. He aims to confront and defeat a highly-rated contender in 2026 to silence his critics, stating,
“People will always find something to nitpick. However, once I demonstrate my skills, they will shift focus to other points of criticism. I need to square off against a formidable opponent, as the current level of competition isn’t giving me what I need to prove myself.”
Negotiations and Future Aspirations
Negotiations with noted fighters like Ryan Garcia, Rolando Romero, and Isaac Cruz have recently concluded without fruitful outcomes, leaving him to engage in less prominent bouts. Nevertheless, Mendoza remains optimistic about eventually breaking through, noting he has ample time to catch up to the records of contemporaries such as Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue, both of whom boast impressive undefeated records.
Looking Ahead
As he sets his sights on achieving a 43-0 record this year, Mendoza’s journey is complicated by conflicting reports, particularly concerning his appearances in the Team Combat League, which have been misconstrued as losses. Until clarification is provided by boxing’s sanctioning authorities, the debate surrounding Abel Mendoza’s official record is likely to persist.
