Jhonny Gonzalez: After I Beat Abner Mares, I'll Go To 130

Undefeated Abner Mares defends his World Boxing Council featherweight title on Saturday against Jhonny Gonzalez in one of two all-Mexican title bouts at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

Former world bamtamweight and super bantamweight champion Mares, 26-0 with one draw and 14 knockouts, has won six fights in a row -- all for world titles -- since a draw against Colombia's Yonhy Perez in a 2010 world title fight.

"I've learned from every fight," Mares said. "I've gained experience and I haven't been beat up in any of my fights. I've learned a lot, gained experience and continue getting better and better."

Gonzalez, 54-8 with 46 knockouts, tries to regain the crown he lost last September to compatriot Daniel Ponce de Leon, who was beaten by Mares last May.

"In that fight with Ponce De Leon I wasn't 100 percent mentally and physically there," Gonzalez said. "I am coming in 100 percent mentally and physically prepared."

Mares, at 27, is four years younger than his rival, who vows that retirement is not on his mind, although moving up in weight class is in Gonzalez's sights.

"My body still feels great. My body's still responding in the gym and the trainings," Gonzalez said. "This is a very important fight at this moment and we are looking forward to it and then going up another division to the super featherweight and even bigger fights there."

Mares expects to see Gonzalez at his hard-punching peak.

"I expect the best Jhonny Gonzalez. He's going to come with his A game," Mares said.

"I have to prove that I am now one of the best, I'm one of the elite and I have to beat Jhonny. It's a fight I can't lose."