Abner Mares happy to be fighting only the best
On December 11 undefeated flyweight prospect Abner Mares will meet flyweight king Vic Darchinyan in the opening round of Showtime's anticipated bantamweight tournament.
In a boxingscene.com interview, Mares (20-0, 13 KOs) spoke about the upcoming fight and tournament, saying: “I’m really privileged to be part of this tournament. I’ve never been a
part of anything like it as a pro and wish they would do this more often. I’m proud to be fighting Darchinyan.”
In Darchinyan Mares takes on the unified WBA and WBC flyweight champion, and one of the most formidable opponents the world over. Though there will be no belts at stake when the two
meet, reputation and tournament standings will be on the line.
The winner is guaranteed a shot against the winner of the other half of the bantamweight tournament, either Yonnhy Perez and Joseph Agbeko.
For Mares, that means an opportunity to avenge his last fight, which concluded in a bitter draw with Perez.
Though the undefeated prospect could have petitioned for another chance with Perez, Mares indicated he wasn't discouraged by fighting Darchinyan first.
“We’re here [in the tournament] to fight,” Mares said. “It was a tough fight against Yonnhy, but we have to take advantage of the opportunities presented to us. Vic is a tough opponent
but you have to beat the best in order to become the best.”
He continued: “I accept the decision [of a draw]. I believe that everything happens for a reason. If I won, Yonnhy might not be part of this tournament. He struggled a lot to get
where he is. I hope to face him again if we both win our fights.”
One problem insiders have suggested with the bantamweight tournament, however, is that it may not include the best of the best. After all, Top Rank's top bantamweights—both Fernando
Montiel and Nonito Donaire—declined invitations to participate in the tournament.
They opted instead to clash in February 2011 in a fight that will then determine a favourable candidate for the winner of Showtime's bantamweight tournament.
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