By Dennis 'dSource' Guillermo
After his dominating performance against Joseph "King Kong" Agbeko in their rematch last weekend, undefeated IBF and WBC Silver bantamweight champion Abner Mares (23-0-1, 13 KOs) has beaten just about every top bantamweight thrown his way.
Having faced the likes of Yohnny Perez, Vic Darchinyan and Joseph Agbeko twice, Mares has put together quite the resume these past couple of years.
One name that he has yet to face, however, is Nonito Donaire, Jr.
Considered as the best bantamweight fighter after snagging the WBO and WBC belts from Fernando Montiel last February, Mares still wants a shot to prove himself and feels that he can beat the Filipino-American slugger.
"I think it would be a great fight and it's something the boxing fans would want to see. I feel I can beat him," Mares told me when I asked him about fighting Donaire.
Perhaps a little bit slighted that he has fought all the best at the weight, Mares wants to establish that he truly is the best bantamweight inside boxing's squared circle. "Well, I entered the Showtime tournament thinking all the top guys would follow. But I would love to fight Donaire. He's a very good fighter and I want to be known as a guy that fights the best," Mares said.
Sadly, the politics of boxing will probably prevent these two talented fighters from facing each other in the ring. Mares is promoted by Golden Boy, while Donaire is with Top Rank, who has a plethora of opponents they can throw at him.
Donaire's next fight will be a move up to the 122 division to fight fellow Top Rank fighter and former WBO super bantamweight champion Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr.
Mares on the other hand, will take a little bit of time off to enjoy his accomplishments, before he resumes fighting and either holding the fort as the best bantamweight boxier in the world, or chase bigger fights at a higher weight.
"At this time, I'm going to enjoy my win. But I plan on sitting down and talking to my team and see if we will move up in weight or stay at 118lbs for a few more fights. I just want to continue to fight the best!" Mares said.
