On Saturday, December 10, 2016, Abner Mares (30-2-1, 15 KOs) scored a 12-round split decision victory against Jesus Cuellar (28-2, 21 KOs) to successfully win a version of the WBA Featherweight title at the USC Galen Center in Los Angeles, California.
The fight was televised on Showtime Championship Boxing in the U.S.
Mares, 31, of Mexico, won a smart fight by sticking to a strict game plan in which stayed on the outside, frustrated Cuellar’s face-first offense and landed quick counter punches.
Cueller, 29, of Argentina, was utterly outclassed by Mares as he struggled to close the distance to land shots on the inside.
In the early rounds, Mares began by circling to his left and throwing straight shots. As soon as Cuellar would back him up to the ropes, Mares would tie Cuellar up and prevent Cuellar from working.
Instead of cutting the ring by stepping to his right, Cuellar followed Mares and ate several counter punches in the process. Though he managed to land left hands, he never hurt Mares enough to derail his game plan.
Indeed, as he implemented his game plan, Mares had trouble in the early rounds, but as the rounds progressed, the fight became easier and easier for him as Cuellar slowly wore down.
By the middle rounds, Mares began landing harder shots, and by Round 11, Mares landed a perfect, counter right hand that dropped Cuellar.
Though the 5,680 were somewhat lulled by Mares’ performance, the knockdown woke the entire arena up, and the cheers for Mares soon began.
Mares boxed his way to victory in Round 12, earning himself a version of the WBA crown. Mares won with scores of 116-111 and 117-110, while won judge had it 115-112 for Cuellar.
Tonight’s victory put new life into Mares’ career. Besides a rematch against Leo Santa Cruz, what do you think is next for Mares?
If Carl Frampton is successful in his rematch with Leo Santa Cruz, how would Mares fare against him?
Let us know in the comments section below.
