Abner Mares Decisions a Game Arturo Reyes

By Rick Reeno

MGM Grand, Las Vegas - In a battle of Mexican Olympians, former three division world champion Abner Mares (29-1-1, 15KOs) had to overcome some bumps in the road to win a ten round unanimous decision over a game Arturo Reyes (18-5, 5KOs). The scores were 96-93, 98-91 and 99-90.

Mares was pacing himself in the first, staying on his toes. He dropped Reyes with a flash knockdown in the second. Reyes got up and started coming forward, trying to make it a street fight with Mares. The rounds were more competitive than many people expected.

Reyes was taking the punches well and returning fire when needed. Mares seemed very flat at times, lacking his usual energy and Reyes was taking full advantage by outworking him at times. Mares was just looking to counter-punch and kept a very tight pace instead of his usual high tempo style.

Following the conclusion of the match, Mares said he woke up feeling sick but decided to go forward with the fight and lacked energy in many of the rounds.