Boxer Abel Mendoza Survives Kidnapping, Eyes Championship Dreams

COLOMBIA — Abel Mendoza, an undefeated boxer with a record of 42-0, faced a dire situation following his latest victory in December. The 29-year-old survived a harrowing kidnapping ordeal in Colombia after a taxi ride turned into a fight for his life.

Mendoza, who has spent his boxing career mostly in Mexico and South America, shared the traumatic experience with SunSport, stating, “I thought we were gonna die… I can’t die like this. I’m not gonna die.” His life flashed before him when he and a friend were targeted by armed thugs shortly after hailing a cab due to his Uber app malfunctioning.

Two assailants, wielding a screwdriver and a knife, entered the back seat, forcing them to comply. Mendoza recounted, “The driver turned around and said, ‘Shut up, don’t talk,’ and I just couldn’t believe it.” He was struck multiple times and robbed of his belongings, including his phone and money.

Despite the intimidation, Mendoza identified an opportunity for escape when he spotted an ambulance. Collaborating with his friend, they managed to overpower their captors and flee to safety. “I punched the guy and opened the door. My friend kicked the seat, grabbed the guy, and we both jumped out,” Mendoza explained.

Even after this traumatic event, Mendoza remains undeterred in pursuing his boxing career. Managed by Scott and David Tetreault, he expressed frustration over the difficulty of securing high-profile fights despite his impressive record. “No other fighters want to take a chance on me; they see my record, perhaps they’re intimidated,” he stated.

With aspirations to win a world title, Mendoza emphasized that his primary goal is not just reaching 50-0 but claiming championships. He noted, “The goal has always been trying to win belts. I love to fight. I have a lot of fights because I would rather take a fight than stay inactive.”

Earlier this year, Mendoza was poised for a significant opportunity to replace Floyd Schofield in a fight in Riyadh but the opportunity slipped away. Mendoza reflected, “My team reached out, but they found someone from the UK who was closer.”

In a bold move, Mendoza even called out YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul, despite their significant weight difference. He commented, “I think Jake’s a decent fighter… we’re all waiting to see if he’s at the elite level.”

Currently, Mendoza is open to working with various promoters as a free agent, declaring, “I’m ready to fight the best so I can prove myself that I am the best. I’m just trying to be patient and waiting to see what happens.” His recent experiences only fuel his resolve to succeed within the ring, regardless of the dangers that may accompany it.