Abner Mares Interview

By Elias Sandoval

I had a chance to speak to undefeated bantamweight contender Abner Mares (19-0 12 KO’s) who next Thursday will headline Golden boy Promotion’s latest edition of their fight night club series. The bout will be televised by Fox Sports Net and take place at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles. The future star talks about his upcoming title challenge against IBF champ Yohnny Perez, leaving trainer Nacho Beristain and his boxing goals.


TWBB: How you doing Abner

AM: Doing good thanks

TWBB: I’ll go head and jump right into it…. How’s did training camp go for this fight?

AM: Training camp has been great; I’m taking this fight really serious. A lot of people are asking me why you taking this fight before the Yonnhy (Perez) fight. I could’ve gone straight to the Yohnny Perez fight but I think I needed a fight before I fought Yonnhy. But the camp has gone great I been here for two months already and I’m fit and ready to fight.

TWBB: Your opponent Is Felipe Almanza, what do you know about Felipe and have u seen any tape of him?

AM: No… to be honest I haven’t seen any tape of him Just his record on Boxrec. The only thing that worries me is he has four DQ’S; he’s been disqualified four times. But we’re going to take care of business like I said I’m ready and if goes as planned were going to take him out early.

TWBB: A couple years back you had a retina injury that kind of had your boxing career up in the air. Can you tell me what was going through your mind during the process of getting past the injury?

AM: well I’m past the detached retina you know I’m not even worried or thinking about that. It’s like it never happened I’m just looking forward, I think a lot of it was mental and I have no problems with it now.

TWBB: I remember you use to train with Legendary Mexican trainer Nacho Beristain and now I believe you’re with Joel Diaz. What was reason for the jump in trainers?

AM: Well the reason was my camp thought I needed a different style of trainer. But Nacho is a great trainer and he taught me a lot. I think are style is just different, I learned the technical style with him but I think my style is more aggressive with more body work. As you seen in my last fight it worked really well and I think we’re going to stay with that style. You know what better way to become a complete fighter then to learn two different styles.

TWBB: That leads me to my next question. You have always had the skills and been a good boxer/puncher but from my seat at home you looked bigger, stronger and more ferocious then I had ever seen you in your last fight. Would you agree with that statement?

AM: Definitely…. You said it, a lot of it was because I was training with Nacho and that’s how he teaches you. He (Nacho) teaches you to be a boxer and counter first and you got to stick with that. But I have always had that aggressive style since the amateurs and that’s what got Oscar De La Hoya’s attention. I think my aggression, buddy work and head movement is working well and going to take us far.

TWBB: Going back to your size do you plan on moving up in weight or are you comfortable at bantamweight?

AM: I definitely plan on moving up in the future but right now we’re focusing on my next fight and then the Perez fight at 118lbs. I do plan on moving up to 122lbs; actually my first 7 fights were at super bantamweight. I would say I can make 118lbs easy if I stay on a strict diet but I’m growing as well so I think 122 will be better.

TWBB: I know this something you don’t do in boxing but let’s assume you get the W against Almanza. From there you get a title shot against Yonnhy Perez (Undercard of Vazquez vs. Marquez 4) on Showtime. This is a big fight what’s your opinion on it?

AM: like you said I’m not looking past Almanza but I’m definitely excited about the Yonnhy Perez Fight. It’s a great opportunity for me to become a champion and I’m tremendously motivated. I’m hungry and as a challenger I’m going to come to take that belt from Yonnhy. He’s a great guy and we’re friends outside the ring but its business.

TWBB: As a fan looking at that fight I see a compelling matchup and an action fight. Do you see this fight turning into a war?

AM: I can make into a war if wanted to and I think it’ll be good as far as crowd pleasing. It could be toe to toe like you seen with Agbeko vs. Perez but the smart way to do it would be to use my boxing skills that I have. Come not to overpower Yonnhy because he’s a strong fighter but use my skills or do both. That’s the advantage we have.

TWBB: So you believe you have more options in the fight?

AM: Personally I think so

TWBB: I know you don’t want to look too far in the future but who else would you like to fight down the road.

AM: Well definitely bigger fights and bigger pay days I mean I think it would be a good fight against Darchinyan or even the winner of Montiel vs. Hasegawa.

TWBB: what do you think about a fight with Nonito Donaire?

AM: Exactly that’s a good fight and he’s planning on moving up to 118. If I’m champion and still at the weight let’s do it….Why not. Its Exciting fights like this that the boxing fans want and I’m willing. I like these types of fights and I’m use to fighting top names from back in the amateur days. I can tell you like this I fought Yonnhy Perez, Juan Ma Lopez and Guillermo Rigondeaux all in the same tournament. So this is good I get excited for fights like that.

TWBB: With fighters like De La Hoya, Barrera retiring and Juan Manual Marquez aging there’s an opening in boxing right now ready to be filled for the next great Mexican or Mexican American fighter. Is that a mantle you’re looking to claim?

AM: I can tell you personally that’s what every Mexican fighter wants but obviously it’s up to the people to give that title to you. I’m looking forward to giving good fights to the boxing world and fans out there. I think that’s the best way to receive that kind of attention and I want to be that next Mexican idol representing Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico.

TWBB: Any last words to your fans and the boxing fans in general?

AM: To all the boxing fans who are going for me or even for the people who aren’t just want to let you guys know there is a new up & comer and future Champion Abner Mares. I’m here to stay like I said earlier representing Mexico all the way and plan on doing big things. Appreciate all the support!

TWBB: thanks for your time Abner

AM: no problem, thank you

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