Mares vs Agbeko: Abner Wants Donaire or Montiel Next

By Jhonny Gonzalez

Unbeaten Mexican bantamweight, Abner Mares, wants to beat IBF champion Joseph Agbeko and then face the winner of the fight between Fernando "Cochulito" Montiel and Filipino Nonito Donaire, which is set for February 19.

Mares, 25, is back in action on April 23 at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles against Agbeko (28-2, 22 KO's). Mares (21-0-1, 13 KO's), IBO bantamweight king and owner of the WBC silver in the same division, faces Agbeko in the finals of Showtime's tournament.

"We're going against Agbeko, which is a tough fight. I know that there are larger fights after April, so I'm very motivated for the future. I'd like the winner of Montiel and Donaire, so I'll stay at bantamweight but I am struggling a bit with the weight," Mares said. "I know I should focus on Agbeko, but that's the fight that people are asking for, to go against the winner of that fight."