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Abner Mares once approached boxing with unbridled love and passion. Now, after a year away from the sport revealed the fleeting nature of loyalty, he’s more a businessman than a blind devotee.
Only about a year ago, the 2004 Mexican Olympian who lives in Norwalk, Calif., was on the cusp of fighting for his first major world title. And everyone loves a winner, particularly when you can gain something from being around one.
Then Mares received news that turned his life upside down: After a routine exam, he was diagnosed with a detached retina and told his career was over. Naturally, he was devastated by the news; he suddenly faced a life of uncertainty.
And, perhaps just as painful, he saw people who had always supported him slip away when it appeared he was finished.
That later included Nacho Beristain, although for a different reason. The renowned Mexican trainer dumped Mares because of his strained relationship with the fighter’s new co-manager, Frank Espinoza, leaving Mares feeling betrayed.
Thus, while Mares, 23, is grateful that the doctor proved to be wrong about the end of his career, some of the enthusiasm with which he always approached boxing – along with some of the joy – has evaporated into a lot of hot air.
“I look at boxing way different,” said Mares, who fights Carlos Fulgencio in the main event of Fight Night Club on Thursday at Club Nokia in L.A. “People are there when you’re a fighter because they want something. They’re like groupies. Supposedly they’re your friends but they’re not.
Only about a year ago, the 2004 Mexican Olympian who lives in Norwalk, Calif., was on the cusp of fighting for his first major world title. And everyone loves a winner, particularly when you can gain something from being around one.
Then Mares received news that turned his life upside down: After a routine exam, he was diagnosed with a detached retina and told his career was over. Naturally, he was devastated by the news; he suddenly faced a life of uncertainty.
And, perhaps just as painful, he saw people who had always supported him slip away when it appeared he was finished.
That later included Nacho Beristain, although for a different reason. The renowned Mexican trainer dumped Mares because of his strained relationship with the fighter’s new co-manager, Frank Espinoza, leaving Mares feeling betrayed.
Thus, while Mares, 23, is grateful that the doctor proved to be wrong about the end of his career, some of the enthusiasm with which he always approached boxing – along with some of the joy – has evaporated into a lot of hot air.
“I look at boxing way different,” said Mares, who fights Carlos Fulgencio in the main event of Fight Night Club on Thursday at Club Nokia in L.A. “People are there when you’re a fighter because they want something. They’re like groupies. Supposedly they’re your friends but they’re not.
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