Griego has easy time with Mendoza in rematch

Albuquerque’s Matthew Griego remained unbeaten with an easy unanumous decision over tough veteran Gilberto Mendoza in a rematch from 2022.

It was a rough week mentally for Griego, with his original opponent and fellow Albuqueruqe flyweight Abraham Perez pulling out due to a training accident, he had the roller coaster of finding opponents and getting up for taking on Mendoza. . He was able to fight through it all and dominate Mendoza.

All three three judges had it unanimous at 80-72, as did boxingnewmexico.com

After the fight Griego stated he hurt his right hand. “I was throwing the right hand, but he had a hard head and I hit the top of his head and that’s what hurt it.” Stated Griego

The first round was slow with both fighters being patient. Mendoza landing jabs and Griego trying establish going to the body. Griego had the edge.

Round two saw Griego more aggressive, taking the fight to Mendoza. He was able to land right hand leads and body shots. Mendoza was too slow and Greigo’s speed was evident more in this round.

More of the same in round three and four, Griego picking up the action more, finding his range with the jab and landing hard right hands to the head and body shots. Mendoza didn’t have an answer up to this point.

Round five the action slowed, but Griego was in full control, his speed was the weapon, as mentioned Mendoza could’nt handle it, a shutout to this point.

Griego was in control, cursing to victory, he continued using his jab, trying to set up the left uppercut, missing on a few occasions. Mendoza would have a few moments landing right hands, nothing to keep the on aggressive Griego.

Both fighters had their moments in round seven, Griego doing a great job landing hooks to the body and head. Mendoza answered with a few left hooks to the head. It was obvious the key was Griego’s quickness for the slow footed Mendoza’

Griego came out blazing in the final stanza, landing huge left hooks to the head and body, sending Mendoza to the ropes on several occasions. Mendoza had nothing to keep Greigo off him. Mendoza to his credit is a tough veteran with a solid chin.

The win propelled Griego to 15-0, 10ko’s Mendoza falls for the 2nd time to Griego drops to 23-19-4.