Building up a young prospect's career in boxing in this current environment can be a daunting task. When that fighter is without a manager or promoter, it can seem to be impossible. However, as we see over and over again in the sweet science, nothing is impossible. Rising 130-pound unbeaten prospect Abel Mendoza of West Texas is showing the boxing world exactly how it's done without major representation. The unbeaten Super Featherweight has put together a 34-0 (27) record all on his own. Mendoza said " no manager, no promoter. I've made it to 34-0 on my own. No help, no nothing." He explains staying the course and self-managing and self-promoting "Fighting locally whenever there's show. I fought a lot in Mexico. In Mexico, they don't pay, but I had to do what I had to do, to be in the position I'm in 34-0."
Mendoza is scheduled to make a homecoming fight on the September 24th main event at the La Hacienda Event Center in Midland on a card promoted by Elite Fight Promotions, which is co-owned by Gilbert Torres and Jose Montanez. It's been a hard-fought rise to the top for the 26-year-old West Texan, who commented on fighting his way to the top of the cards and becoming the main attraction " I wasn't headlining, they had me as a co-main, now I am the main event. I am very proud to be in this position. Other fighters in my position have stopped, but I am still going."
Is he ever still going! Beating former world title challenger Victor Zaleta, who went the distance with Omar Navarez and had been in with legendary world champs like Leo Santa Cruz and Carlos Cuadras, none of those names got rid of Zaleta as quickly and as impressively as did Mendoza. Over four high-action but mostly one-sided rounds, Mendoza steamrolled Zaleta back in late 2021. A major step-up fight and Mendoza passed with flying colors and started making the transition from prospect to contender status. He recollects on the fight "We started off pretty fast, it was a fast pace. I was a little surprised I did get him out that quickly. I was expecting to go more rounds. Zaleta is a good fighter. He's a strong fighter. Any fight he's in, he's going to give them problems."
Mendoza has run off three more wins, winning them all by knockouts to move his record to the current 34-0 (27) but has not gotten the big mega fight or world title fight he had his eye on. However, he is not afraid to earn it the old-fashioned way. When asked about getting Abner Mares or a world title fight next he responded, " Hopefully next, I do want to fight the best. Maybe they feel I haven't earned it, and maybe I gotta earn it and that's ok! I am ready to earn my way to fight for a world title." He went on to address the rumors and potential Mares fight "if they would have called me for a Mares fight, I would have took it. If they asked me to fight Mares next, I'd say yes in a heartbeat. It's up to Mares and his team if they want to take this fight."
For the immediate future, it's back to building his resume and waiting for a world champion or another big name to accept a fight with him. The next stop is back in his hometown on September 24th. Mendoza has also done camp back in West Texas, San Diego is where he typically does training camp and has hired the help of fellow West Texas contender Michael Dutchover to help with his conditioning. It's been a good experience for the undefeated knockout artist saying, "It's good. I enjoy being back home. My friends and family, this is home. I am glad to be fighting at home." Should Mendoza get the win he's expected to get, the sky is the limit. A world title fight could be on the horizon, but if it's not Mendoza is in it for the long haul. He will patiently wait for his opportunity, " they can't avoid me forever... If I have to get to 50-0, that's what it's gonna have to be. If I get to 70-0, whatever it takes. it's gonna come." he explained. Mendoa went on to add what it would mean to bring a world title back to West Texas "there hasn't been a world champion here to being a world title here would be awesome."