Abel Mendoza: A Rising Contender
Abel Mendoza, an undefeated boxer with an impressive record of 42 wins and 31 knockouts, has emerged as a potential substitute for Angel Fierro. Fierro had to withdraw from his upcoming rematch against Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz due to complications from a severe weight cut that necessitated hospitalization. Currently in Las Vegas and fully prepared for a fight, Mendoza is eager to seize this unexpected opportunity just a day before the scheduled bout.
Social Media Challenge
Mendoza took to social media to challenge Cruz and urged Premier Boxing Champions and his advisor to consider him for the match.
“Isaac Cruz’s opponent has just pulled out, but I’m in Vegas, ready to weigh in with all medicals cleared. Let’s make this happen soon!”
He posted, showcasing his readiness and desire to step in.
Undefeated Streak and Recent Challenges
At 29 years old, Mendoza has quietly built one of the longest undefeated streaks in his weight class, often without much fanfare. A fight against Cruz, who currently lacks an opponent after Fierro’s abrupt exit, could be his significant breakthrough on the high-profile platform of the upcoming Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios Pay-Per-View event.
Prior to this opportunity, Mendoza faced a challenging night in May, suffering a first-round knockout against Daniel Morales in a Team Combat League match. That night, he competed twice, but those bouts do not affect his official professional record. In the same event, he also faced Diego Dominguez and was stopped by Morales, who is now 8-0 with 5 KOs, marking the first time any fighter managed to knock out Mendoza.
Team Success and Future Prospects
Despite these recent losses, Mendoza’s team, Phoenix Fury, managed to secure a victory over LA Elite in their overall matchup at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. The decision now lies with Premier Boxing Champions on whether Cruz will take Mendoza up on his last-minute challenge.
