By Keith Idec, photo by Ryan Greene/PBC

Abner Mares feels like a different fighter.

Most boxers say such things when they switch trainers. Difference is, Mares has had about a year to work with Robert Garcia before their first fight together.

Two postponements of Mares’ challenge of WBA world featherweight champion Jesus Cuellar have provided Garcia and Mares more time to work on offensive and defensive improvements at Garcia’s gym in Oxnard, California. The 30-year-old Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs), who hasn’t fought since losing a majority decision to Leo Santa Cruz nearly 15 months ago at Staples Center, is eager to show what he has learned from Garcia when he encounters Cuellar (28-1, 21 KOs) in the main event of a “Showtime Championship Boxing” doubleheader December 10 at USC’s Galen Center in Los Angeles.

“Most of the fighters, once they get a new coach, they tend to get a fight right away and they fight within the next six-to-eight weeks,” Mares said during a conference call this week. “And you don’t see much of a difference. Why? Because you only have that small period of time to train and get to know each other. And I just mentioned [I had] a whole year with Robert.

“And not only a whole year with Robert, but pretty much a whole year getting ready for this fight against a southpaw. And, I mean, you guys know what type of coach Robert is. Not only does he bring education to your boxing skills, but also that motivation. It’s always good to have that motivation, knowing you have one of the best in your corner. So you will see a different Abner. I think you’ll just see a more mature fighter in me.”

Mares must exhibit better defensive skill against the heavy-handed Cuellar than he has in the past. The former three-division champion believes he now is equipped to box more and slug less when pressured by a puncher.

The 2004 Mexican Olympian also feels his offensive arsenal is better because Garcia has sharpened the delivery of his punches.

“I think the number one [improvement] is definitely on my basic punches – the 1-2 hook and the three-punch combination,” Mares said. “I think we perfected those so good. I’m sitting more and turning more on my punches. It’s crazy that you might think that you’re throwing your punches good, and you’re not this whole time. So I think I’ve learned how to turn more on my punches, how to sit better on my punches. And I think my power is coming out really good. That’s what my sparring partners tell me, and even [Garcia] himself. So I think you will see improvement in my power and my defense.”

Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.