Abel Mendoza, the controversial 42-0 super lightweight from Fort Stockton, Texas, has officially joined Premier Boxing Champions — a move that immediately sparked doubts and the inevitable warning: “He’s about to get exposed.”
Announcing the move on social media, Mendoza told fans: “I’m proud to announce that I signed a multi-fight deal with the best promotional company in the world, TGB with PBC. I will finally have the opportunity to face some of the best fighters in the world. To everyone that’s been supporting this journey of mine, let’s prove the whole world wrong!”
Doubters Already Cry ‘Exposed!
Detractors met the announcement with immediate doubt. One observer wrote the exposure note citing concerns over Mendoza’s record and recent struggles in the Team Combat League, where he lost nine times in one-round bouts and was stopped within three minutes by Daniel Morales, the first fighter to stop him professionally.
Record in Dispute
Mendoza’s 42-0 record has long been a source of debate. Officially restored after a Colombian fight vanished from BoxRec, the contender insists his true tally is closer to 45-0.
“I fought twice in Mexico that year, but those wins aren’t on BoxRec yet,” he told WBN. “I’m trying to get them listed. They were good opponents too, legit guys.”
But the numbers alone haven’t silenced critics. Many point out that Mendoza has yet to face a top-15 opponent, and his nine one-round defeats in the Team Combat League raise serious questions about his readiness for ten- or twelve-round professional bouts.
A loss to 6-2 super flyweight Yusniel Abrahante — 0-1 in TCL at the time — is frequently cited as proof Mendoza still has work to do before he can compete at the elite level.
Staying Ready, Waiting for His Shot
The 29-year-old is currently training at Sonny’s Boxing Gym in Goodyear, Arizona, after serving as a backup on the Ryan Garcia vs Rolando Romero card in New York.
“A lot of fighters have been getting hurt, and you never know,” Mendoza told WBN. “But now I’m on standby, staying ready, waiting for my shot! I hope they don’t take me lightly because I will be ready.”
He also offered to step in and face Issac Cruz when ‘Pitbull’ needed a late replacement in Las Vegas. Mendoza put out an image on socials depicting a head-to-head with Cruz during fight week.
Upcoming Fight and Need to Step Up
Mendoza returns on November 22 to face another opponent following a recent knockout loss, unless new promoter Tom Brown has other ideas. While victory is likely, he must significantly increase the quality of his opposition to silence critics.
Within Al Haymon’s PBC stable, Mendoza could face top-tier tests, including the winner of Cruz vs Lamont Roach, Alberto Puello, or WBA super lightweight champion Gary Antuanne Russell — opponents capable of giving him credibility against elite competition.
World Title Dreams, Not Just 50-0
The primary focus on Mendoza comes in the form of Floyd Mayweather’s 50-0 record, which the 29 year-old has plenty of time to overhaul. However, Mendoza told World Boxing News he has no intention of making that 50-0 benchmark his focus.
“My goal was never to beat Floyd’s record. It is to become a world champion. If I’ve got to be 100-0 to do that, then so be it,” Mendoza told WBN.
Despite setbacks, he remains determined to prove his critics wrong and secure a legitimate place among the division’s best.
Between gaps in record-keeping, one-round defeats, and low-profile assignments, Mendoza’s career has been a mix of hype and controversy.
All eyes will be on November 22 as Mendoza steps back in the ring. Can the 42-0 Texan finally silence his critics — or will he be exposed in the bright lights of PBC?.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights.
[View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.
