By Jake Donovan

Far too often in boxing, an uncivil war behind the mic precedes the actual in-ring action. Such is not the case between Guadalajara-based featherweights Miguel Angel ‘Terry’ Garcia and Abraham ‘Cholo’ Gomez, who collide this weekend in a bout that will divide their beloved hometown.

The bout – aptly named ‘La Guerra En Augascalientes’ – headlines a card supported by the continuing ‘Quien Pinta Para La Corona?’ series. The show takes place on Saturday, October 27 at Arena del Alba in Aguascalientes, Mexico and will air live on Cadena Tres.

Both fighters are in need of a big win, as their respective careers have struggled as of late.

Mendoza (20-2-1, 20KO) is batting .500 over his last four contests, but manages to win big when he in fact wins. The 28-year old slugger only has five career bouts which have lasted longer than three rounds, with only one fight to have made it to the scorecards – a 10-round points loss to Nery Saguilan in front of his hometown fans this past June.

A return to his knockout ways was promised when the two met at a recent press conference.

“I beat my last opponent in the first round and you will suffer the same fate,” Mendoza vowed.

(Note: Mendoza’s last fight was a 1st round knockout over Eric Gonzalez, who – according to records kept by Boxrec.com – was making his pro debut).

Gomez (18-6-1, 9KO) scored an upset win earlier this year with an 8th round knockout of Ricardo Mijares, the younger brother of Cristian Mijares, who happens to face Rafael Marquez in Mexico City on the very same evening as this bout. The win over the younger Mijares remains Gomez’ signature performance to date, as he enters this fight on the heels of a knockout loss to Roberto Ortiz in June.

Despite the recent struggles, Gomez is confident of a career-turnaround this weekend – so confident, that he’s literally willing to put his money where his mouth is.

“I know what kind of fighter I am,” Gomez insists. “I am sure that I’m going to knock out (Mendoza), that if I don’t knock him out then I won’t charge.” 

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com. Follow Jake on Twitter: @JakeNDaBox