Jhonny Gonzalez Eyes Simion in Dec, Mares in March

By Rene Umanzor

WBC featherweight champion Jhonny Gonzalez (55-8, 47KOs) is going to stay busy, according to his promoter Osvaldo Kuchle. A date of December 7th or December 21 is being planned against challenger Viorel Simion (16-1, 7KOs), who returns from a July decision loss to British boxer Lee Selby. If all goes well, Gonzalez will face Abner Mares (26-1-1, 14KOs) in a rematch on a date in the month of March. Gonzalez shocked the sport when he stopped Mares in the first round of their August encounter.

"We are negotiating the rematch against Abner Mares and it is very likely that we can close the deal in the coming days. We decided to take that fight because it is attractive to the public," said Kuchle.

"If the Mares rematch will take place in March, then Jhonny will fight in December. We have two television dates, December 7 and 21, and Jhonny is ready to fight. We are in talks with Viorel Simion and the fight could be in Mexico City or in Chiapas."

Rene Umanzor covers boxing in Mexico for The Record.