Tim Tszyu vs. Brian Mendoza: American rejects Aussie champion’s rematch clause

This masthead can reveal Mendoza’s camp has knocked back the opportunity for a return bout in an emphatic sign of the giant-killer’s confidence ahead of his blockbuster bout with Tszyu on Sunday on the Gold Coast.

Nicknamed ‘La Bala’, which translates to ‘The Bullet’ in English, Mendoza has arrived on the Glitter Strip primed to deliver the bullet to Tszyu’s unification dreams in their super-welterweight showdown at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.

And, underscoring his self-belief, the 29-year-old has no interest in Mendoza v Tszyu II ... because he is adamant he will get the job done the first time around.

Boxing: Tszyu vs Mendoza SUN 15th OCT 12PM AEDT | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports

Tszyu’s promoters No Limit confirmed they discussed inserting a rematch clause in negotiations, but Mendoza, the interim WBC world-title holder, spurned the opportunity of a safety net if he loses on Sunday.

“They (Mendoza’s team) didn’t want a rematch clause,” said No Limit boss Matt Rose.

“We always try to put a rematch clause in, but when you are negotiating fights, it doesn’t mean that you always get it.

“It depends on what’s on offer at the time.

“In this instance, both parties were bringing something to the table with the belts.

“When we did this deal, Mendoza had the WBC interim title and we had the WBO interim title, so they were carrying just as much weight as we were with the deal.

“As it’s since turned out, Tim is now the full champion.

“Once again, this is a massive risk for Tim knowing there is no rematch clause, but sometimes that’s the negotiating position you are in.

“It just goes to show the type of boxer Tim is - he doesn’t run scared of anybody.”

In Tszyu’s last trip to the Gold Coast Convention Centre in June, he produced one of the most brutal performances of boxing’s calendar year, knocking out Mexican Carlos Ocampo in 77 seconds of mass destruction.

But this time, Mendoza (22-2, 16KO) warned Tszyu (23-0, 17KO) there will be no first-round cakewalk.

The man who sensationally upset Sebastian Fundora with a seventh-round knockout in April, Mendoza has never been stopped in 24 fights and is armed with the one-punch power to inflict the first loss of Tszyu’s career.

Mendoza’s monster boilover of Fundora is why he feels no need for the insurance policy of a rematch if Tszyu gets the better of him.

“No, there’s no rematch clause. I won’t have to come back to Australia,” Mendoza told American media.

“There’s absolutely no rematch clause.

“There’s none of that.

“I will get this job done. We are completely in this. I feel like my dream is to be a world champion and that’s why I am coming across the world, I want to add another title by beating Tim.

“I will put on a great performance and bring Tszyu’s WBO belt home.”

Victory for Tszyu over Mendoza will be the gateway to potential $10 million mega fights in Las Vegas and Rose is confident the Sydneysider will deliver again.

“Tim doesn’t get enough credit for the risks he takes,” Rose said.

“There’s blokes who won’t fight for 12 months if everything doesn’t go their way. Tim is not that type of guy. He puts it all on the line all the time.

“He did it against Tony Harrison and Ocampo and those guys didn’t have rematch clauses either.”

The danger for Tszyu is that Mendoza could be behind on the judges’ cards — as he was against Fundora — and still unleash one savage punch that buries the Soul Taker.

“I’m the bigger puncher,” Mendoza warned.

“Based off the resume and what I’ve done, I’ve got more one-punch knockouts.

“Once Tim gets you, he is a finisher, but based off the facts, I have more explosive shots.

“The thing about me is I have power but I’m not just a power puncher. I have more than one shot. I will hurt you for 12 rounds.

“I do look for the knockout and put on a big show, but I’m in there to put punishment on you for 12 rounds.

“I carry the power late and however long the fight goes to get victory, that’s what I will do.”