A Rising Star from El Paso
Abel ‘El Zorro’ Mendoza, hailing from El Paso, Texas, has quietly amassed an impressive 41-0 record with 30 knockouts. Despite his remarkable achievements, Mendoza remains one of boxing’s best-kept secrets, fighting primarily between Lightweight and Super Lightweight since his professional debut in 2016.
Early Beginnings and Amateur Career
Mendoza’s journey in boxing began with a modest amateur career, participating in only a dozen bouts. His transition to the professional arena, however, marked the beginning of an unbeaten streak that has captivated those who follow his career closely.
Professional Debut and Early Fights
Mendoza turned pro in the United States, securing three wins before moving his career to Mexico for his next nine fights. This strategic move allowed him to build a solid foundation and gain invaluable experience early on.
Notable Opponents and Key Victories
Throughout his career, Mendoza has faced and defeated several noteworthy opponents. Among them are Romuel ‘Cuco’ Cruz (11-0-1) of Puerto Rico and Philadelphia, PA, and Michael ‘West Texas Warrior’ Dutchover (16-3) of Santa Fe Springs, CA. Another significant victory came against Maliek ‘Mayhem’ Montgomery (18-0) of Las Vegas, NV.
Winning the FECOMBOX Super Featherweight Title
In June 2021, Mendoza captured the vacant FECOMBOX Super Featherweight title, securing his twenty-ninth consecutive win. He achieved this by knocking out Daniel ‘Dany’ Mendez Torres (18-3-1) of Mexico in just three rounds in Chihuahua, Mexico.
Further Success and Title Defenses
Two fights later, Mendoza continued his winning streak by stopping Victor ‘Nene’ Zaleta (20-5-1) in New Mexico in three rounds. His momentum carried him to a split decision victory over Argentina’s former South American champion Alan ‘El Lumbriz’ Castillo (27-12-2) in Midland, Texas, improving his record to 33-0.
Capturing the WBA Fedebol Super Lightweight Title
In June 2023, Mendoza claimed the vacant WBA Fedebol Super Lightweight title by stopping Heiber ‘El Barbero’ Rojas (20-8-2) of Venezuela in Colombia, improving his record to 36-0. He then won the vacant WBA Fedebol Lightweight title by stopping Colombian Luis Fabra (7-4) in Colombia.
Maintaining Momentum and Overcoming Challenges
In November 2023, Mendoza kept busy by stopping Colombian Aristides ‘Papa’ Perez (34-24-3) in Jamaica in three rounds. Despite facing difficulties in securing matches with top contenders, Mendoza defeated Colombian Diego Medina (11-1) in January 2024, improving to 40-0.
Recent Fight and Current Standing
In his latest bout in June 2024 in El Paso, Texas, Mendoza defeated veteran German ‘Panteonero’ Meraz (65-69-3), who was coming off a win in his previous fight. This victory brought Mendoza’s record to an impressive 41-0.
Looking Ahead: Chasing Legends
At 28 years old, Mendoza is on track to surpass the legendary records of retired boxers and former world champions Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 and Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather’s 50-0. Despite his achievements, Mendoza remains relatively unknown, perhaps boxing’s best-kept secret.
