Featherweight boxer and fan-favorite Abner Mares had one of the most impressive four-fight stretches between 2011-2013 of any boxer in the sport.
During that span he won world titles in the bantamweight, super featherweight and featherweight divisions. His only professional setback has been a first-round knockout loss in August 2013 and since then Mares has won all of his subsequent matches.
With a record of 29-1 with 15 KOs, a victory over Santa Cruz puts Mares squarely in the mix of supremacy in the featherweight division. He will be in line to meet champions Gary Russell, Jr., Lee Selby or Carl Frampton in what has become one of the sport’s most highly competitive divisions.
On leaving Virgil Hunter: “It just wasn’t my style and I wasn’t feeling it. It was something that Virgil respected when we talked. But at the end of the day it might be something I put to work this upcoming fight.”
“Every punch I throw is going to be with bad intentions.”
“I’m focused and I expect the best from Leo.”
“I have nothing personal against him, the guy, I just have something against the fighter.”
“All the work is done. I could go this whole week, not train and just recover because I’m that ready. I’ve done what I have to do.
“I feel really good. No injuries, no illness; I’m just really ready for August 29.
“I’m really excited. I know fans are excited but I’m also really excited to be fighting Leo Santa Cruz at STAPLES Center. I’m really looking forward to it.
“I cant think about the past because this fight is happening now. It’s finally here. Less than two weeks away.
“We’ll find out how our styles mesh on August 29. In my mind, I know I’m ready and I know his style. He is a high-volume puncher but we’ve prepared very well for that.
“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.
“It’s great to be here at my gym on my home turf. I started the hashtag #ThisIsMyTown because L.A. is my town. Leo can say whatever he wants but I’m at home and ready to put on a show.
“This is definitely the biggest fight of my career. 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.
“In my mind, after the loss, I left the top level of the game. I had to overcome some issues mentally, but now I’m back better than I ever have been. I’m going to go in there August 29ready to prove that. I’m going to make a statement that Abner Mares is back.”
[slideshow_deploy id=’47256′] All Photos by Ismael Gallardo/RBRBoxing
