Jayson Velez Wants Abner Mares Shot in September

By Miguel Rivera

While waiting for a date to get set for his next bout, undefeated featherweight Jayson "La Maravilla" Vélez of Puerto Rico, expressed his desire to exchange punches with the current featherweight champion of the World Boxing Council (WBC), Mexican fighter Abner Mares. Velez was scheduled to face Daniel Ponce De Leon earlier this year, but withdrew with an injury. Mares went on to stop Ponce De Leon in nine rounds on ay 4th to capture the WBC crown.

"My recovery has been good and I've have a super good time training in Big Bear, California. Now I'm waiting for my promoter to make a fight and I hope everything works out, because I would like to face Mares in September. I know I'm ready for that fight, but I will not [face Mares] while coming off an injury or from being inactive. It is important to make a fight before I face him," Velez said.

Velez is 20-0 and 15 knockouts. In his last fight he dispatched Mexican Salvador Sanchez II in three rounds in a fight held in December at Madison Square Garden in New York. Mares, who has been a champion in three divisions, has 26-0-1 record and 14 knockouts.

"I feel good about my preparation. But I need to have a fight before I get to Mares, because I have not fought since December. But his experience does not intimidate me. We are both young and versatile. It will be a war. He looked impressive against Ponce de Leon. But I'm ready for him," Velez said.