Yamaguchi Falcao to face Paul Mendez March 9 on DAZN

Photo Credit: Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions

Plant City, FL (February 27, 2019) – Unbeaten and WBC #8 rated middleweight Yamaguchi Falcao will meet IBA champion Paul Mendez in a ten round contest Saturday, March 9 at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY.

The Falcao-Mendez bout airs as part of a world title doubleheader on DAZN featuring WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitriy Bivol defending his title against Joe Smith Jr. and WBO junior welterweight kingpin Maurice Hooker against Mikkel LesPierre.

Tickets from $49 are on sale by calling the Turning Stone box office or at Ticketmaster.com.

Hailing from Sao Paulo, Brazil but now living and fighting out of Plant City, FL, Falcao’s a perfect 16-0 with 7 wins by knockout. In his most recent bout, the skilled southpaw bested world rated Elias Espadas over ten rounds. A bronze medalist at the 2012 Olympics, Falcao’s eager to challenge the world’s best 160 pound fighters but faces a tough test in Mendez.

“March 9 is the start of what will be a great year and I expect to face the best version of Paul Mendez,” said Falcao. “I’ve been challenging all the best at 160 pounds and none have stepped up to the plate yet. The plan is to put on a great performance and show the world that I’m ready for the world’s best middleweights.”

Born and raised in Delano, CA, Mendez’ has an excellent 20-3-2 record with 10 knockouts. He owns a decision victory over longtime contender David Lopez and battled future champion Dmitrii Churdinov to a draw. On January 26, Mendez stopped veteran Israel Ornelas in three rounds.

“Falcao is the future of the middleweight division,” said Eric Gomez, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “This fight is another step towards his desired goal of becoming a world champion, we’re grateful that it will be presented by our partners at DAZN.”

“We are very thankful that Golden Boy Promotions is providing this great opportunity on DAZN” said Falcao’s manager Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing. “Team Falcao is extra motivated not only to be seen by fans all across the world on DAZN but also because on the same card there are two world title fights. Yama has what it takes to be a world champion and Mendez is a very good pro in his own right so we’re making sure to be on point come March 9.”

Fans can interact with Falcao on Instagram @YamaguchiFalcao.