Mendoza Believes His Power Will Win the War with Tim Tszyu
On October 15, Brian “La Bala” Mendoza (22-2, 16 KOs) will partake in the most significant fight of his career as he faces WBO junior middleweight champion Tim “The Soul Taker” Tszyu (23-0, 17 KOs) at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Broadbeach, Australia. Mendoza is coming to bring the pain and walk away as the new WBO 154-pound champion.
I HAVE THE POWER
The defending champion has a reputation as being a big hitter. But during a press conference with members of the boxing media, Mendoza said he believes he is the one who has the power advantage.
“Based on the resume and what I’ve done, I have more one-punch knockouts. Once he (Tzsyu) gets you, he finishes you. But I just think based off the facts, I have more explosive shots.
[…] The thing about me is I have power, but I’m not just a power puncher trying to look for one shot. I’ll hurt you for twelve rounds.”
HITTING THE RESET BUTTON
Mendoza earned this opportunity with a stunning seventh-round stoppage over previously unbeaten Sebastian Fundora in April 2023. That win represented what he’s called a continued transformation and revitalization.
After losses to Larry Gomez in November 2019 and to Jesus Ramos in September 2021, La Bala rededicated himself. This resulted in Mendoza winning his last three fights, all by stoppage.
The challenger has respect for Tszyu. He likes the fact that the Australian world champion comes to fight. But when the bell rings on October 15, he plans to play the role of spoiler in the champion’s backyard.
“He (Tszyu) goes to war, and he expects to come out on top. I just believe that this is one war that that won’t happen. […] Once we go in there, that switch flips, and it’s war […] There’s no second place in boxing.”
