By Jake Donovan
Recently crowned 108 lb. titlist Javier Mendoza is penciled in for his first defense, which will come against an opponent to be determined on January 10 in Tijuana, Mexico.
The 23-year old southpaw won the title in September, scoring a minor upset in a points win over former titlist Ramon Garcia. The win filled a vacancy created after Johnriel Casimero was stripped due to showing up more than a full division over the junior flyweight limit for his 1st round knockout over Mauricio Fuentes in May.
The headliner in January will mark Mendoza’s eighth straight appearance in his Tijuana hometown.
Assuming all goes well in the optional defense, Mendoza (22-2-1, 18KOs) will be required to make a mandatory title defense versus Milan Melindo.
The January 10 show in Tijuana will air live on TV Azteca in Mexico.
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com, as well as the Records Keeper for the Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and a member of Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
