Wilfredo Mendez celebrates his victory over Vic Saludar. (Photograph from @WorldBoxingOrg/Twitter)
Wilfredo Mendez is keen to once more combat for a world title belt.
Mendez, rated No. 7 by The Ring at 105 kilos, will face Jesus Haro on April 20, La 22 Sports activities introduced Wednesday evening. The 12-round bout will happen on the Coliseo Ruben Zayas in Mendez’s hometown of Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico.
A WBA regional title belt will likely be on the road.
“(The followers) anticipate (a) top-notch ambiance and aggressive fights that have been deliberate forward of time, together with Mendez-Haro,” mentioned Yoel Gonzalez, President of La 22 Sports activities. “Nicely-trained fighters are synonymous with good fights. We don’t have fights made on the final minute. Right here, we give attention to creating the fighter and ensuring followers get their cash’s value.”
In his final bout on October 7, Mendez (18-3-1, 6 knockouts) fought to a technical draw towards fringe contender ArAr Andales of the Philippines. In his earlier combat that happened on April 16 of final yr, Mendez was knocked out by Yudai Shigeoka, who received the WBC world 105-pound title in his subsequent combat.
Mendez received the WBO world 105-pound title in August 2019, defeating Vic Saludar by unanimous resolution. He would make two successive defenses earlier than dropping the title to Masataka Taniguchi in December 2021.
The 27-year-old Mendez is accustomed to Haro, praising the youthful fighter who he’s not overlooking.
“I do know Haro,” mentioned Mendez, who made his professional debut in July 2016. “We have been sparring companions in 2020 in Las Vegas after we had upcoming fights. He’s an incredible individual, however there’s a lot at stake, and we wish to be world champions. I’m simply centered on successful.”
Haro (11-1, 1 KO), who resides in Reno, Nevada, final fought on August 5, knocking out Gabriel Ponce within the fourth spherical. In his earlier combat in June 2022, Haro defeated Erick Nogueda Araujo by cut up resolution.
The 21-year-old has not misplaced since making his professional debut in March 2020, when he was 17 years outdated. Haro is managed by Nate Torres.
Doorways to the venue will open at 6 p.m., with first bell scheduled for 7 p.m.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has lined boxing in Southern California and overseas since 2000. Francisco additionally covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He may be reached at [email protected]
