Boxing Match Preview: Leonardo Rubalcava (9-0-1, 3 KOs) vs. Dorian Mendez (5-0-0, 0 KOs)

This is a classic early-career litmus test between two unbeaten fighters looking to climb the super lightweight ladder. Leonardo Rubalcava (9–0–1, 3 KOs), a rangy technician from Jurupa Valley, California, faces Dorian Mendez (5–0, 0 KOs), a compact pressure fighter from Los Angeles. With both men eager to protect their perfect records, expect a high-tempo, tactical battle.

Leonardo Rubalcava: The Taller, Tested Technician

Age: 22

Height/Reach: 5′11″ / 71″

Stance: Orthodox

Hometown: Jurupa Valley, CA

Record: 9–0–1 (3 KOs)

Last Fight: Majority Draw vs Israel Mercado (Jan 2025)

Strengths:

Height & Reach Advantage: At 180 cm, Rubalcava towers over most in the division.

Composure: Has gone rounds with experienced opponents and shown poise under pressure.

Sharp Jab: Uses his lead hand to control distance and set up combinations.

Concerns:

Power Ceiling: Just 3 KOs in 10 fights; relies more on volume and accuracy.

Recent Draw: Struggled with Mercado’s pressure and had to settle for a majority draw.

Dorian Mendez: The Compact, Unshaken Challenger

Age: 21

Height/Reach: 5′8″ / 68″

Stance: Orthodox

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Record: 5–0–0 (0 KOs)

Strengths:

Pressure Fighting: Mendez thrives on closing distance and working inside.

Durability: Has never been dropped or seriously hurt in five pro bouts.

Momentum: Riding a five-fight win streak since debuting in 2022.

Concerns:

Lack of Knockout Power: No stoppages in five wins.

Step Up in Class: Rubalcava is by far the most experienced opponent he’s faced.

Tale of the Tape

Attribute	Rubalcava	Mendez
Record	9–0–1 (3 KOs)	5–0–0 (0 KOs)
Age	22	21
Height	5′11″ (180 cm)	5′8″ (173 cm)
Reach	71″ (180 cm)	68″ (173 cm)
Stance	Orthodox	Orthodox
Rounds Fought	43	20

Keys to Victory

Rubalcava:

Use his jab and reach to keep Mendez at bay.

Stay off the ropes and avoid prolonged exchanges inside.

Target the body early to slow Mendez’s forward momentum.

Mendez:

Cut off the ring and force Rubalcava into close-quarters exchanges.

Work the body and test Rubalcava’s stamina.

Make it ugly—disrupt rhythm and steal rounds with aggression.

FIGHT ODDS

Leonardo Rubalcava       – 2500

Dorian Mendez                 + 1100

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 19, 2025