By Ben Jacobs
Kiko Martínez had at one time been mentioned as a possible opponent for Leo Santa Cruz, particularly when the Spaniard held the IBF super bantamweight title. While he prepares to face Scott Quigg on July 18, Martínez gave his opinion to BoxingScene on the potential forthcoming clash between Santa Cruz and Ábner Mares.
"I think it's going to be a good fight, it's one that the fans want to see," Kiko said.
"Finally Leo Santa Cruz has decided to fight good fighters. I think Abner Mares is going to win though, because he's had harder fights and fought better opponents."
Mares-Santa Cruz is being targeted for August 29th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Martínez doesn't see the first round knockout that Jhonny González inflicted on Mares as being an issue, nor does he think that it has affected the California-based boxer.
"I don't think so. It was a just a bad moment, we all have moments even in the gym when we get put down and I think he has recovered. I believe that young guys like Ábner Mares can get over these things. Even Pacquiao and Ali have been stopped. It can make you stronger and want to win again even more, it gives you more hunger," Martínez explained.
"It's to do with your mentality and the desire to be at the top again. I came back after losing to Frampton the first time, I fought in Japan and defended my title, then I fought Frampton again and we had another good fight."