Brian Marino Mendoza is an American professional boxer who held the WBC interim light middleweight title from April to October 2023. He turned professional in 2014 and quickly made a name for himself with his powerful punching ability.
You can follow Brian Mendoza’s biography, personal details, career details, net worth, earnings, fight records, achievements, and more here.
Brian Mendoza’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Brian Marino Mendoza |
| Nickname | La Bala (The Bullet) |
| Birth Date | February 13, 1994 |
| Height | 5′ 10″ (178 cm) |
| Weight | 159.25 lbs (72.27 kg) |
| Birthplace | Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Turned Professional | 2014 |
| Current Residence | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Reach | 70″ (178 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Current Net Worth | $1 million |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| @labalamendoza |
Brian Mendoza was born on February 13, 1994, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Cuban parents Mario and Lisset Mendoza.
Both of his parents had made difficult journeys from Cuba to the United States in search of better opportunities. Mendoza grew up bilingual, speaking Spanish with his father and English with his mother.
When he decided to move to Las Vegas to jumpstart his career in 2018, his entire family – parents and younger brother – moved with him. This support system has been crucial to his success in the ring.
Amateur Career
Brian Mendoza had a relatively short amateur career before turning professional. He started boxing at the age of 15 or 16.
His amateur career was brief but successful, with Mendoza competing in fewer than 30 fights. During this time, he managed to win 2 New Mexico Golden Gloves titles
Professional Career
Mendoza turned professional on May 10, 2014, at the age of 20, with a first-round TKO victory over Daniel Gonzalez. He quickly built momentum, winning his first 16 fights between 2014 and 2019.
Mendoza faced his first professional loss in November 2019, dropping a split decision to Larry Gomez. However, he bounced back in August 2020 with a unanimous decision win over Thomas LaManna.
Mendoza’s career took a significant turn in 2022. On November 5, he scored a major upset by knocking out former world champion Jeison Rosario in the 5th round.
On April 8, 2023, Mendoza faced undefeated Sebastian Fundora for the WBC interim light middleweight title. In a stunning upset, Mendoza knocked out Fundora in the 7th round to capture his first world championship.
Mendoza’s success was short-lived. On October 15, 2023, he lost his title in his first defense against WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu by unanimous decision.
In his most recent fight on March 30, 2024, Mendoza lost a unanimous decision to Serhii Bohachuk in a bout for the vacant WBC interim junior middleweight title.
Brian Mendoza’s Net Worth Details
Brian Mendoza’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025. These earnings are based on his fight purses, endorsements, and financial management.
Earnings
| Fight Type | Estimated Purse Range |
| Non-title fight | $50,000 – $200,000 |
| Regional title fight | $100,000 – $500,000 |
| World title fight | $250,000 – $1,000,000+ |
Fight Records
| Total Fights | Wins | Losses | Wins by KO |
| 26 | 22 | 4 | 16 |
Achievements
- Won the WBC interim light middleweight title in April 2023
- Knocked out former world titleholder Jeison Rosario in 2022
- Defeated undefeated Sebastian Fundora in 2023
- Two-time New Mexico Golden Gloves champion as an amateur
FAQs
1. Who is Brian Mendoza?
Brian Mendoza, nicknamed “La Bala” (The Bullet), is a professional boxer from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Born on February 13, 1994, he competes in the super welterweight division. Known for his resilience and power, he has a professional record of 22 wins (16 by knockout) and 4 losses.
2. What are Brian Mendoza’s career highlights?
Mendoza’s career highlights include winning the WBC Interim Super Welterweight Title by knocking out Sebastian Fundora in 2023 and defeating Jeison Rosario in 2022. Despite setbacks, such as losing to Tim Tszyu and Serhii Bohachuk, he remains a prominent figure in his division.
3. What is Brian Mendoza’s boxing style?
Mendoza fights with an orthodox stance, utilizing his right hand as his power hand. At 5’10” with a reach of 70 inches, he combines technical skill with knockout power, evident in his 73% knockout ratio.
4. How did Brian Mendoza start his boxing career?
Mendoza began boxing at age 16 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He won two New Mexico Golden Gloves titles as an amateur before turning professional in 2014. His early career saw an undefeated streak of 16 wins before facing his first loss.
5. What is Brian Mendoza’s family background?
Mendoza’s parents are Cuban immigrants who endured challenging journeys to the U.S. His father swam to Guantanamo Bay seeking freedom, while his mother arrived via the Mariel Boatlift. Their resilience inspired Mendoza’s determination in life and boxing.
6. Who are some notable opponents Brian Mendoza has faced?
Mendoza has fought top-tier opponents like Tim Tszyu, Sebastian Fundora, and Jeison Rosario. His victory over Fundora via a seventh-round knockout was considered one of the biggest upsets of 2023.
7. What is Brian Mendoza’s training regimen?
Mendoza trains under renowned Cuban coach Ismael Salas in Las Vegas. His training emphasizes discipline and conditioning, including unique routines like jump rope exercises synchronized with Latin music for cardiovascular benefits.
8. What setbacks has Brian Mendoza faced in his career?
Mendoza has experienced four losses in his career, including defeats to Larry Gomez, Jesus Ramos Jr., Tim Tszyu, and Serhii Bohachuk. Despite these setbacks, he continues to rebuild and compete at a high level.
9. What titles has Brian Mendoza held?
Mendoza held the WBC Interim Super Welterweight Title after defeating Sebastian Fundora in 2023. He also competed for the WBO Junior Middleweight Title against Tim Tszyu but lost via unanimous decision.
10. What are Brian Mendoza’s future goals?
Mendoza aims to reclaim championship status and pursue rematches with opponents like Jesus Ramos Jr. He remains committed to fighting top contenders in both the super welterweight and middleweight divisions while building his legacy in boxing.
