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Abner Mares: “LA Is My Town”

On Saturday, August 29, 2015, Southern California boxing fans will be in for a rare treat as two highly-ranked Featherweights–both of whom call So Cal their home–will face off in a 12-round fight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

Abner Mares Media Day - Ismael Gallardo RBRBoxing (5)

On Saturday, August 29, 2015, Southern California boxing fans will be in for a rare treat as two highly-ranked Featherweights–both of whom call So Cal their home–will face off in a 12-round fight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

While there is some superfluous WBC Diamond belt on the line, the fight between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares is much more about pride and competition than about belts.

The fight, which will be televised on PBC on ESPN, will be the first big test for Santa Cruz, who’s fought a steady diet of sparring partners for much of his career, while Mares will seek to re-establish himself as one of the very best in his division.

At a recent media workout at his gym, Mares said he expects fireworks this Saturday.

“All the work is done. I could go this whole week, not train and just recover because I’m that ready,” said the 29-year-old native of Guadalajara, Mexico who calls Montebello his home.

“I’ve done what I have to do,” said Mares.

One of the major narratives going into this fight regards their mutual residence in Southern California, and Mares was quick to make use of it.

“It’s great to be here at my gym on my home turf. I started the hashtag #ThisIsMyTown because L.A. is my town,” said Mares, who had a strong amateur career in Hawaiian Gardens, CA.

“Leo can say whatever he wants but I’m at home and ready to put on a show,” said Mares, who also mentioned that he is prepared for Santa Cruz’s high volume style.

Abner Mares Media Day - Ismael Gallardo RBRBoxing (13)

The fight can legitimately be a “Battle for LA,” but it may also lead to a title shot in the near future.

“I’m ready to fight anyone. I want Gary Russell Jr. and all the great fighters at this weight. It’s just a matter of taking care of business one by one,” said Mares, who has held titles in three divisions before being knocked out by Jhonny Gonzalez in 2013.

Since then, Mares has steadily tried to reestablish himself in the 126-pound division, where Russell, Vasily Lomachenko and Lee Selby hold world titles.

But first, Mares must get through an undefeated champion in his prime, and he knows it.

“It’s two well-prepared fighters in their prime. Expect fireworks. This is something fight fans have been asking for. I hope my fight can be considered one of the best once it’s done,” said Mares.

 

All photos by Ismael Gallardo/RBRBoxing

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