It has been a whirlwind for Brian “La Bala” Mendoza (22-2). The newly crowned WBC interim super welterweight champion has been on a roll since losing a unanimous decision to top prospect Jesus Ramos in September, 2021.
The cherry on top took place on April 8th when he knocked out the previously unbeaten Sebastian “Towering Inferno” Fundora to capture his title.
“I said I would take advantage of this opportunity and it would be explosive. I promised violence and that I would make a statement,” said Mendoza.
The 29-year-old Cuban American has now won three fights in a row since the loss to Ramos.
He stopped Benjamin Whitaker in a tune-up bout and then received the opportunity of a lifetime when he was offered a fight on short notice against former unified champion Jeison “Banana” Rosario that he won by knockout.
That victory led him to the shot against Fundora and has put him in position to land another big fight.
Like most of the boxing world, he is now turning his attention to Saturday’s Gervonta Davis-Ryan García pay-per-view showdown.
Many sports books have Davis listed as a 2.5-1 favorite. While those odds aren’t wide, Mendoza expects the fight to be even in closer.
“I think it’s a toss up fight but I’m still leaning towards Tank because he has shown a higher ring IQ in the past. It’s in no way a walkover for him though because at any moment Ryan’s hook can change everything and Tank usually loses the first few rounds. That’s what makes it a very interesting fight,” Mendoza told BoxingScene.com.
Davis-Garcia takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada and is available on Showtime pay-per-view and PPV.COM.
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