By Chris Robinson
Rising young Cuban star Yoenis Tellez will square off against top contender and former champion Brian Mendoza in a super welterweight showdown between former interim champions that serves as the new co-main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video on Saturday, March 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
This fight replaces the previously announced Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr. bout, which has been postponed.
Former interim 154-pound champions will clash as Cuba’s Yoenis Téllez faces veteran contender Brian Mendoza in super welterweight action.
Téllez (11-1, 8 KOs) instantly impressed the first time I saw him in July of 2023 when he stopped capable contender Sergio Garcia in under three rounds. He was fast, explosive, and aggressive that evening against a more-experienced foe.
At 25, Téllez would later capture the WBA Interim Title with a decision win over Julian Williams in March 2025. After a setback against eventual champion Abass Baraou last August, he has since rebounded with a December stoppage of Kendo Castaneda.
“I respect Mendoza, but I’m coming hungry and ready to seize this opportunity,” said Téllez. “This fight gets me closer to another world title shot, and I plan to give fans in Las Vegas my best performance yet.”
Mendoza (23-4, 17 KOs), 32, of Albuquerque and Las Vegas fame, became WBC Interim Champion with a dramatic knockout of Sebastian Fundora in 2023—still Fundora’s only career loss.
He later fell short against Tim Tszyu and Serhii Bohachuk, but fought competitively both times, losing on the cards.
Mendoza recently returned with a stoppage of Jesus Antonio Rojas last July in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua.
Mendoza is guided by trainer Ismael Salas, who was also in his corner when he scored a dramatic knockout wins over former unified champion Jeison Rosario in November of 2022.
“I’m thrilled to be back under the bright lights in Las Vegas,” said Mendoza. “A win here puts me right back among the best at 154. I’m hungrier than ever and ready to take out anyone in my way—starting with Téllez.”
Chris Robinson can be reached at crobinson@hustleboss.com