Abner Mares Plans Move To 122 After Agbeko Rematch

By Luis Sandoval

Abner Mares’ rematch with Joseph Agbeko on December 3rd might be the last time we see him at 118lbs. The undefeated IBF bantamweight champ would like to move up to 122 after this fight and face the bigger names there.

“As a fighter, as a warrior, I want to move up and fight the good names up there because really that’s where they are right now. Bantamweight really, there’s no one anymore. Everybody’s moved up” explained Mares.

“I know Vic Darchinyan is talking about if he wins he wants to move up too, so I mean everyone is just aiming at 122 and I want part of it too”.

A potential super fight that Mares was hoping for was a showdown with former bantamweight kingpin Nonito Donaire who has since moved up to 122lbs. The plan was for the winner of Showtime’s Bantamweight tournament to fight Donaire but with the controversy that transpired, Mares chose to give Agbeko the rematch which caused a Donaire fight to fall by the wayside. 

Mares was asked if it bothered him that a fight with Donaire was lost due to his rematch with Agbeko.

“If anything I’m one of the few fighters that fight for the people and the people want a rematch so be it. We’re fighting again. God willing we’re definitely going to win this fight and do it in a dominant way” stated Mares.

There are plenty of fighters in the super bantamweight division for Mares to fight including Donaire and also the likes of Jorge Arce, Wilfredo Vasquez Jr, or the winner of Rico Ramos and Guillermo Rigondeaux. Mares is willing to face any of them but it all depends who his manager and promotional company can get in front of him.

First Mares must take care of business against the always tough Joseph Agbeko.

You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter @truewest007. You can also tune in to Boxingscene’s official radio show The Boxing Lab every Tuesday from 6-8PM PST with hosts Ernest Gabion, Luis Sandoval, and Ryan Burton.