Kosport Magazine: Brian Mendoza vs Serhii Bohachuk for WBC Interim Super Welterweight Title
It was a last-minute call for Brian Mendoza to step in against Serhii Bohachuk for the WBC interim super welterweight title. And tomorrow, he might be regretting that decision as he lost the fight over 12 rounds at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Bohachuk, a solid and methodical force, kept coming until the final bell and improved his record to 24-1 (23 KOs). This was a surprising win for him as it was his first time winning by decision in 25 starts.
Mendoza, now 22-4 (16 KOs), has his sights set on the winner of tonight’s headliner between Tim Tszyu and Sebastian Fundora.
The fight started with both fighters feeling each other out, but in the second round, they let their hands go. Mendoza’s face quickly reddened, but he managed to land some right uppercuts on Bohachuk as he stepped forward.
Bohachuk, with his head down and a tight guard, continued to apply pressure and aggression in the third round. He was able to land his right hand around Mendoza’s left with ease.
In the fifth round, Mendoza landed a left hook, but at the end of the round, he took a right uppercut and left hook from Bohachuk. The Ukrainian fighter consistently tracked Mendoza into the corners and was able to do more work on the front foot.
In the seventh round, Bohachuk landed a left hook that pushed Mendoza’s head back. He continued to grind forward and land heavy shots on the inside, while Mendoza’s chin held up well.
As the fight went on, it seemed like Mendoza’s only chance was a lucky punch, similar to the one he landed on Sebastian Fundora last April. But Bohachuk was too fundamentally sound and didn’t give him any opportunities.
The rounds were similar and the action was unspectacular, with Mendoza consistently on the losing end of the exchanges. Bohachuk stuck to his game plan and never slowed down.
In the 11th round, Mendoza landed a right uppercut and followed it up with a flurry of left hooks, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide. Bohachuk won by margins of 118-110 and 117-111 (twice).
After the fight, Mendoza, who had sparred with Tszyu in preparation for this fight, said: “I’ve always had that chin, I was trying not to rely on it tonight.”
Bohachuk dedicated his victory to his countrymen and women who are currently in a war with Russia, saying: “This victory is for Ukraine and our people who are going through hard times right now. Hold on, we will win.”
Kosport Magazine: Mendoza’s Regret and Bohachuk’s Dedication to Ukraine
Brian Mendoza took a late call to fight Serhii Bohachuk for the WBC interim super welterweight title, but tomorrow he might be wishing he hadn’t. Bohachuk, a solid and methodical force, kept coming until the final bell and won by decision for the first time in 25 starts.
Mendoza, who now has his sights set on the winner of tonight’s headliner between Tim Tszyu and Sebastian Fundora, landed some good shots throughout the fight, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Bohachuk’s consistent pressure and aggression.
After the fight, Mendoza admitted that he relied too much on his chin and didn’t stick to his game plan. Meanwhile, Bohachuk dedicated his victory to his country and people who are currently facing difficult times.
It was a tough and hard-fought battle, but in the end, Bohachuk’s determination and skill prevailed.
