The World Boxing Council, following its anti-doping regulations, handed over to a private laboratory the carrying out of the anti-doping tests of boxers Vic Darchinyan and Abner Mares; the Washington State Boxing Commission had knowledge of the situation, as they have not established such tests. The anti-doping tests conducted by the lab had negative results; both boxers were clean of drugs in the corresponding tests.

Mares won a split decision over Darchinyan on December 11. It was the first round of Showtime's bantamweight tournament, and now Mares will face IBF champion Joseph Agbeko in the tournament final.