Brian Mendoza hopes to spring another upset

Flashback to October 26h, 2022. Brian Mendoza received a phone call to face former world title holder Jeison Rosario on 10-day notice. Mendoza, always in the gym training at the Salas Boxing Academy in Las Vegas, NV, took the fight, knowing it could be his big chance to get noticed and lead to a possible world title. 

What many thought would be an easy fight for Rosario in his first fight at 160 pounds turned out to be the last fight in his career, as he retired 5 days later. Mendoza knocked out the former titlist in the 5^th round with a vicious uppercut. The win propelled Mendoza to take on WBC interim champion Sebastián Fundora (20-0-1, 13kos’) this coming Saturday in Carson City, California. 

Mendoza (21-2, 15 Kos) knows it will be a big task, relatively speaking. Fundora, standing close to 6’6, towers over his opponents at 154., thus with dealing with height and knowing he is there as the B-side, Mendoza hopes again he is overlooked. 

“I was already training when I got the call for Rosario. They thought they would just go through me and be a walk in the park. I knew I was ready and already at fight weight.” Stated Mendoza.  “I knew this was my time to shine, and I wasn’t there to be an opponent, this fight. I hope they do the same and overlook me.”

Chances aren’t something new for the 29-year-old Mendoza. Prior to covid, he took a major chance, packing up and moving from his hometown of Albuquerque, NM and moving to Las Vegas. There he met Ismael Salas, who took Mendoza into his stable and worked on bringing out the best of Mendoza.

“The move to Las Vegas I had to do. I wanted to get to the next level and in order for me to get there this was the place to be. I get to spar with former and current champions. I was able to get better sparring and learn from all different types of fighters and styles.”  Says Mendoza.

This experience he feels will help him this week with Fundora and propel him into the elite at 154.

“I know when I win this fight, it will only help me get to where I always wanted to be, a world champion. It’s what I worked so hard for during my boxing career this week will be the next step in getting me there.”