By Dennis 'dSource' Guillermo
After watching Abner Mares win the Showtime bantamweight tournament in controversial fashion (thanks to referee Russell Mora) against Joseph Agbeko, boxing fans were quick to ask for a showdown and unification fight between the new IBF bantamweight king Mares and WBO/WBC bantamweight champion Nonito 'The Filipino Flash' Donaire, Jr.
In an interview with Mares before his fight with Agbeko, the 25-year-old pride of Frankie Espinoza Promotions told me that he would love to fight Donaire if in fact he comes out victorious against Agbeko.
"I would like to fight Donaire," Mares said, and continued, "It should be a great fight. I fight for the people, and if I win this fight, why not? This is what I do, this is my job which is fighting, and also fight the best out there, to be the best. I would like to fight the best out there by beating the best. I don't like to duck anyone, and if that fight comes through, I'd be more than happy to take it."
So after his win, I immediately hit up Donaire who is currently in the Philippines taking care of arrangements for his November 11 church wedding with his wife Rachel.
"I didn't get to watch the fight, because it wasn't aired here in the Philippines. Like I said before, I'll fight anyone who steps in the ring on October with me. The only people who would stand in the way of Mares meeting me is Golden Boy Promotions. It would depend if they agree to put him in the ring with me," Donaire said.
"If Mares is serious about fighting me, he should talk to his manager and promoter, because I'm not staying around bantamweight for long."
Donaire also said that Mares is definitely a solid fighter, but feels that his speed and intelligence in the ring would be his edge if that fight ever goes down. Donaire is scheduled for his return fight on October 22 and will be back in the Bay Area next week to start training.