More than two years after making his amateur debut, Wilson boxer Brandon Mendez is ready to get back in the ring — as a professional.
The 23-year-old will make his pro debut Friday, Aug. 14, in Greensboro against 24-year-old Adrian Roach from Bermuda in a multi-fight card at the Frank & Florence Williams Event Center. Their welterweight match is one of at least five on the card that will be sanctioned by the North Carolina Boxing and Combat Sports Commission.
Mendez, who installs sprinkler systems for Johnson Controls, hasn’t fought as an amateur or a professional, aside from frequent sparring sessions, since going 2-1 at the North Carolina Azalea Festival Boxing Tournament in Wilmington in April 2024. His trainer, Wilson boxing veteran Leroy Gray, said that Mendez cruised in his first two fights but then failed to put away his third opponent. Still, the Fike High graduate and former soccer player showed much promise in Wilmington…